The Bible Is Our Standard

¹² The LORD will indeed give what is good,
and our land will yield its harvest.

¹³ Righteousness goes before him
and prepares the way for his steps.

(Psalm 85: 12-13 NIV)

Sowing and Reaping. This is a law (Gal 6:7-9) that I have not heard much about in preaching, but it is one to keep in mind throughout our lifetimes. God promises us that we will reap the type of life that we sow.

As I ponder the law of sowing and reaping, this psalm gave me a hint as to the type of fertile ground that we must sow as Christians - righteous soil. We must become righteous soil in order to be properly used by the Lord to produce His fruit. Righteousness is a pretty confusing topic however, because there are so many conflicting viewpoints of what is right or wrong.

My wife loves tv court shows, and when I do watch them with her, I notice that the people there have a genuine confusion on what right and wrong really are. Many blatant acts of lying, stealing, cheating, and fornication are committed by unrepentant people who have a ready excuse as to why they are not liable for their obligations and responsibilities.

And that is the reason why we all need a standard. Without a specific standard to determine right and wrong, there is no real reference point to determine right living or righteousness. Fortunately for us, God has given us the definition of right and wrong in the Bible. He has provided us with a guideline for a happy life through the following of His ways.

When we apply this righteousness to our lives - not to condemn others, but simply to cleanse and improve ourselves - we become tools that He can use to bless others around us and fertile soil that will produce good fruit.

Lord Jesus, help me to become a man who is righteous soil for You to produce good fruit and blessings to others. Please correct me where I need improvement and help me to reap of lifetime of goodness and not wickedness. In Jesus' name, Amen.