The Lord’s Reward
“The LORD has rewarded me according to my righteousness; according to the cleanness of my hands He has recompensed me. For I have kept the ways of the LORD, and have not wickedly departed from my God. For all His ordinances were before me, and I did not put away His statutes from me.” Psalm 18:20-22
As we look at this passage there are several things to notice.
[As I use the phrase “I” in this article, I am using it generically, so all are included and this is about everyone and not just me.]
First of all, my righteousness does nothing for me. When I determine what aspect of righteousness I will abide by, I make the mistake of putting myself in the place of God. Every human does this and it happens too often. The proper way to view righteousness is not from my perspective, but from what God has told us in His word.
Second, is keeping our hands clean before God. I am sure you realize that I am not talking about soap or other hand-cleaners. Sometimes washing our hands is symbolic that we want nothing to do of a matter, and we are separating ourselves from responsibility or consequences. But the idea expressed is not keeping them clean from the dirt of hard work, but of evil that surrounds us. Be not partakers with them that commit evil. Learn to stay away from those who are evil and do not seek to please the Lord. Surround yourself with those who are sincerely interested in spiritual matters and in trying to please God.
I can know that I am righteous by keeping the ways of the Lord. Notice in this short passage the various ways in which God’s commandments are expressed: righteousness; ways; ordinances; statutes. Doing what God commands does not mean that I merit my own salvation. God is still the only one who can save. Yet we know that keeping God’s commandments is necessary for salvation. It is true that works will not save you, but you cannot be saved without the works.
If you will take God’s word and receive it, you will put yourself in a position to be saved. Notice what James 1:21 teaches: “Therefore putting aside all filthiness and all that remains of wickedness, in humility receive the word implanted, which is able to save your souls”.
In order for us to receive the blessings of God we have to do something for Him. We have to turn away from sin and start serving Him. This is one of the very core teachings from the Bible. We encourage you to open your bible and study God’s word and see where you need to make changes in your life so that you can be clean in the sight of the Lord. If you feel that you need help, let us be the ones to help you.,
God is not willing that any perish (2 Peter 3:9). You must believe that Jesus is the Son of God and died on the cross for your sins. (Acts 8:37). You must repent of your sins (Luke 13:3), you must confess Jesus as Lord (Matthew 10:32) and you must be baptized for the remission of sins (Acts 2:38; 22:16). Then you must remain faithful and continue learning how to serve God (2 Peter 3:18). Let us help you on your spiritual journey. May God bless you in your study of His word.
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By Carey Scott via the Madisonville Meteor; August 12, 2009

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