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Psalms 119:9 Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word. (KJV)
Strong’s definition of ‘cleanse’: OT:2135 zakah (zaw-kaw'); a primitive root [compare OT:2141]; to be translucent; figuratively, to be innocent: KJV - be (make) clean, cleanse, be clear, count pure. When most people think of the word ‘cleanse’ what first comes to mind is washing with water, or as in most of today’s religious organizations, baptism. Yet, if you look at the rest of the verse above you see that it is by taking heed to the Word of God is what will continue to cleanse one’s way before God. Cleansing with water is only temporary; now, think about that for a moment. So why do many think that by baptism (meaning the physical dunk tank routine) it keeps one clean before the Lord? One can cleanse themselves with water every day and yet one will begin to get soiled and start to stink if they don’t keep doing it. The physical baptism was temporary until the permanent baptism in Christ was given. And it is only in Him that we can remain clean of all filthiness and unrighteousness (Spiritually). In the end, it is the inward cleansing that enables one to be counted pure before God. The cleansing being spoken of above is an inward cleansing of one’s heart and mind by the washing of the Word which brings about our innocents before God. It also brings about a translucency which enables others to see the pure river of living waters that flow within you, and that not being of yourself, but Christ in you continually cleansing your way, as you continue to abide in Him. 1 Peter 3:21 The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ: (KJV) It is the Spiritual baptism that begins the cleansing process within us, and we make the choice if we will continue to cleanse our way by taking heed thereto according to the Word of God. Taking heed in Psalms 119:9 means to observe, attend to, to guard or to protect. It is speaking of your clean way of living before God. There are many things in this world that can defile one if allowed in, so enter not into the path of the wicked, and go not in the way of evil men; avoid it, pass not by it, turn from it, and pass away. Let the cleansing by the Word of God continue in you. God bless dearly loved, and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. 1 Timothy 4:13 Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine. (KJV)
The more attendance we give to God and His Word, the more our minds will continually be renewed which enables us to hear His voice more clearly, to rightly divide and discern a situation or thoughts. The more attendance we give enables us to remain in agreement with Him, instead of being in opposition trying to figure it out on our own, leaning to our old way of thinking. Colossians 1:21 And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled (KJV) We have the mind of Christ; now it is a matter of whether we choose to operate in it instead of leaning to our old mind which is corrupt and alienates us from the truth that is in Him. The old mind does not know the ways or things of God and can’t know them for they are Spiritually discerned. For each of us it is learning to operate at all times in the mind of Christ, the new man; remaining reconciled with God. Colossians 3:10 And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him: (KJV) Colossians 3:1-2 If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. (2) Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. (KJV) Strong’s definition for ‘affection’ is to exercise the mind, to be (mentally) disposed, to interest oneself in (with concern or obedience). Exercise the mind, be mentally disposed on and interest yourself with things above, keeping your thoughts in agreement with God and His Word. Another way to look at it is to practice occupying your mind with the things above, not with the things on earth which are perishing. As one continues to give attendance (to hold the mind towards) to reading, to exhortation, and to doctrine the mind is continually exercised and renewed on those things above. In all that we do throughout each day if we are mentally disposed on doing those things that please our Father in heaven, then that too will enable the mind to be continually renewed; and through this we are learning and growing, maturing, up into Christ in all things. And able to minister to others whether in word or in deed the love, the grace, the mercy, and the truth and the life that is in Christ and all that we have been given in and through Him that one more may seek to live a life godly in Christ Jesus. So today, Stop living in accordance with the customs of this world, but by the new ideals that mold your minds continue to transform yourselves, so as to find and follow God’s will; that is, what is good, well pleasing to Him, and perfect. (Williams New Testament, Romans 12:2) Continue to give attendance to these things, hold fast, and continue in them: for in doing this you shall both save yourself, and those that hear you. God bless dearly loved, and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. |
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