God by the light of His word guides us into one-Satan by his temptations allures us into the other.

Posted : 9 Mar, 2013 02:33 AM

Psalm 119:30 I have chosen the way of truth: Your judgments have I laid before me.





Only two ways lie before us for our choice-"the way of lying,"

and "the way of truth." God by the light of His word guides us

into one-Satan by his temptations allures us into the other. The way of lying is the natural choice of man. The choice of

the way of truth is the Lord's work in the hearts of His peoplethe seal of His special eternal love. His teaching shows us the

way; and His grace enables us to "choose" it . And who in his

subsequent course has ever found reason to alter his first

determination? Does Mary regret her "choice of the good

part?" One whose solid and reflecting judgment was not likely

to make a rash or hasty choice, tells us, of the outset of his

course- "What things were gain to me, those I counted loss for

Christ." The experience of twenty years-instead of bringing

matter for repentance-only confirmed him in his choice: and

he repeats his determination with increasing energy of

expression; "Yes, doubtless, and I count all things but loss for

the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord." In

the same spirit one of the ancient fathers expresses himself:

"If I have any possessions, health, credit, learning-this is all

the contentment I have of them-that I may have

something to despise for Christ, who comprises in His own

person all and everything that is most desirable."

The connection of this verse with the preceding well illustrates

the bias of the believer's heart. His experience of the

deceitfulness of sin, Satan, and his own heart, stirs up the

prayer-"Remove from me the way of lying." But his choice is

expressed in this verse-"I have chosen the way of truth." The

sincere desire to have "the way of lying removed from us," is a

clear evidence, that we have already "chosen the way of

truth:" that "the spirit of truth has guided us to Him," who is

indeed "the way of truth"-the true and only "way to God!" And

of all ways that could be set before the Christian, this is the

way he would "choose"-as bringing most glory to his God,

exalting the Savior, honoring the Spirit of God, and securing

the salvation of his own soul. Whatever becomes of me-the

Christian would feel-'I would have no other way than this. Yes,

though I should perish, I would abide in it. So transcendent is the discovery of the glory of God-scarcely less clear than the

glory of heaven itself!'

The practical pathway, however, is often rugged-always

narrow. We may have to encounter not only the reviling of an

ungodly world, but even the suspicions of our brethren, who

may not always understand our motives. Yet if our heart is

upright with God, "none of these things will move us. Our

choice is made, and we are prepared to abide the cost."

But that our choice may be daily established, let us not forget

the treasury of our life, light, and grace. Let us lay the

"judgments of God before us." For we have always some new

lesson to learn-some new duty to perform-some new snare to

avoid. We must therefore walk by rule-as under the eye of a

jealous God, who enlightens and cheers our path-under the

eye of the ungodly, who "watch for our halting"-under the eye

of weak Christians, who might be stumbled by our unsteady

walk-under the eye of established Christians, who will be yet

further established by the testimony of our consistent

profession. The Gospel affords all the material for this strict

and accurate walk. All is given that is needed. The obedience

that is enjoined is secured. "God working in us," enables us to

work for Him; and while we are humbly looking for further

supplies, and diligently improving what has been already

bestowed, He is pledged by promise to assist, as we are

bound by duty to obey.

What then-let

me inquire-is the choice which I have made? I

would remember that it is for eternity. And if, through the

grace that has first chosen me, "I have chosen the way of

truth,"-is the effect of this choice daily visible in a life and

conversation well ordered according to the word of God? If it

is good to "hide that word in my heart," as a safeguard against

sin; it is good also "to lay it before" my eyes, as the chart to guide my course-the model to direct my work-the support to

uphold my weakness.



by

Charles Bridges

Post Reply