Live Not Ashamed
How happy is anyone who has put his trust in the Lord and has not turned to the proud or to those who run after lies.
Psalm 40:4 (CSB)
The apostle Paul urged the church in Rome to embrace the gospel proudly. This call emphasized that the members should live in obedience to the Lord and proclaim His greatness. This notion extends beyond just Paul; in Psalm 40, David expresses his desire to live boldly for the Lord. Consequently, he beckons us to embody a lifestyle reflecting Christ and to share His message of salvation with the world. As we examine the characteristics of David’s bold lifestyle, let us reflect on our own lives and aspire to live similarly unashamed.
Live Declaring God’s Righteousness. David openly proclaims the Lord's righteousness for everyone to hear. He is determined not to be silent about the Lord, actively sharing His righteousness so that all may know. By declaring the Lord’s righteousness, he illuminates the ways and expectations the Lord has for people to follow in obedience to His will. This declaration encourages the pursuit of a godly lifestyle. Today, we too should strive to proclaim the righteousness of the Lord. Such declarations reveal the Lord's ways and will and assist in communicating God’s offer of salvation.
Living Out God’s Righteousness. David aimed to proclaim and exhibit the Lord’s righteousness through his actions and words. He committed his life to following God’s path and exemplifying faithfulness. While this doesn’t imply that David was flawless, it does indicate that he aspired to reflect the Lord’s light through his life. By embodying righteousness, he intended to reveal God to the people. We, too, should aim for this kind of life today. We must endeavor to lead lives of righteousness that affirm God’s righteousness and exemplify what it means to be a follower of the Lord.
Proclaiming God’s Faithfulness and Salvation. David not only acknowledged the Lord's righteousness, but he also emphasized the Lord's unwavering faithfulness and the salvation that can only be found in Him. He understood that humanity cannot redeem itself and that a Redeemer and Savior were essential. Therefore, he affirmed that the Lord remains faithful to His promises and covenant, establishing His trustworthiness. This declaration is equally necessary today. We must speak boldly about the faithfulness of the Lord and our complete reliance on Him. It is crucial to discuss salvation through Christ alone and offer redemption to all.
Live Proclaiming God’s Love and Truth. David concluded by affirming God’s love and the truth that emanates from Him. He did not let the world’s definitions of love or truth shape his perception of the Lord. Rather, David embraced love and truth as defined by the Lord and reflected in His character. Today, we are called to proclaim God’s love and show it to others. We must convey the truth with love, even when that truth challenges worldly ideologies.
David emphasizes the significance of living boldly for the Lord. We should aim to embody and proclaim the Lord in ways that reveal Him to the world. Our pursuit should be a life of righteousness, anchored in the Lord's faithfulness. We must invite others to accept Christ as Lord and Savior, standing firm in truth against worldly claims. Reflecting on this Psalm by David, ask yourself: Are you living without shame?
QUESTIONS
Why must a link exists between the declaration of God’s righteousness and the pursuit to live out righteousness?
Why must we declare genuine love as God defines love, and why must we combat the ideologies of love found in the world?
