February 3, 2020 -- Psalm 119:104 -- Then what?

Through your precepts I get understanding,

therefore I hate every false way.

Psalm 119:104 English Standard Version

When I lived in Sarnia, Ontario, a brother in the faith—who was a police officer—and I would get together regularly for encouragement and prayer. In those sweet prayer conversations he once related to me that when he faced temptation, he would ask himself this question: “then what?” Basically he would ask himself, “IF I were to do this or that, then what? What would be the repercussions?” It is a very good question that shows someone is clinging to the precepts of the Lord of Glory.

The precepts of God are the things He has appointed to be done. Think of it, in the Old Testament there are many places where the laws of God include consequences for obedience or disobedience. For example, the fourth commandment: honour your parents and the consequence for obedience is: ‘that your days may be long in the land the LORD your God is giving you’ (Exodus 20:12). Sin is never neutral. All the actions of every person are always sinful, unless the Spirit of God takes hold of the heart and directs it in the path of the word of God for the glory of Jesus.

So the question my friend asked, “then what,” is a valid one and helpful for discerning the consequences of one’s actions. If I were to do this or that, then what? If this became public, how would that affect my standing? How does this bring reproach (or discredit) to the Name and reputation of God? How would this affect my marriage and my relationship with my children? (Here you can fill in whatever consequences and relevant people or circumstances your temptations would affect.)

The devil would only have you focus on the fleeting, momentary pleasure this or that sin would yield, without showing you or even letting you think of the true consequences and the true costs of sin. This is why the psalmist hates every wrong path. He has thought through the wicked schemes of the devil, or the temptations of his own heart or those temptations rising from the world or peer pressure. As he asked “then what” he realized the course of wickedness and shame that inevitably would follow. Therefore he hated the false way that was placed before him.

In contrast, the psalm-writer has seen the glory of God contained in the precepts (the rules and laws and directions of our King) and he realized the consequences for obedience to the Holy One are blessing and delight. Sure, obedience to the King may come with scorn from the people of the world, but that is nothing compared to the weight of glory and joy which flow from living in respectful observance of His will and ways.

Who is a God like You, glorious and excellent in all Your ways? You have appointed the work for Your people and You have added the consequences of blessing and honour to those who keep Your will and Your ways. Father in heaven, may Your Name be praised. Jesus, Lamb of God Who has taken away the sin of the world and has given His perfect obedience as gift to all who cry out to Him, great and glorious are You! Worthy are You of dominion and power. Spirit of Truth Who takes the deep things of God and makes these known to true believers, You are wonderful and excellent in all You do. Forgive our stubborn rebellions. Forgive our short-sighted sinful actions. Spirit of God, help us to walk in the ways of the word, living as the reward of Jesus’ obedience to the honour and praise of our Father in heaven. Amen.