Daily devotion – Who fire are we warming ourselves at?
Separated Unto God
Psalm 1:1–2
“Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.”
God’s covenant with Israel made it clear that He would bless their obedience and judge their disobedience. Israel was, and still is, God’s chosen people—a people set apart unto Him.
Believers today are likewise God’s people. We are in the world, but we are not of the world (John 17:11–17). Therefore, we must be careful of friendship with the world (James 4:4), which can lead to becoming spotted by the world (James 1:27), and ultimately to loving the world instead of the Lord.
Lot is a solemn example. He first looked toward Sodom, then pitched his tent toward it, and before long was living there. Though Lot was a righteous man, his desire for the things of the world and his failure to remain separate cost him dearly. When God judged Sodom and Gomorrah, Lot lost nearly everything he possessed. His family was devastated, his testimony was damaged, and the consequences followed him for the rest of his life.
Sadly, we see the same pattern today. Some believers gradually move into sin and disobedience. The decline is often slow and subtle, but the losses can be immense, especially within their families.
Psalm 1 describes this downward progression. First comes walking in the counsel of the ungodly. Then standing in the way of sinners. Finally, sitting in the seat of the scornful. Wrong counsel leads to wrong companions, and wrong companions eventually shape our character.
Peter provides another sobering example. When Jesus was arrested, the disciples were told they would all be scattered (John 16:32). Instead of keeping his distance, Peter followed Jesus to the high priest’s courtyard (John 18:15–18). There he stood among Christ’s enemies and sat by their fire, warming himself alongside those who hated his Lord. Before long, Peter denied Jesus three times.
The ungodly are those who deliberately reject God. Sinners are those who continually miss God’s standard without any concern. The scornful are those who mock God, ridicule His truth, and treat holy things with contempt. When laughing at what is sacred and breaking God’s commandments become entertainment, people have descended to a very dangerous place.
As God’s people, we are called to be separate—not isolated from the world, but distinct in our walk, our values, and our friendships. Jesus sends us into the world to proclaim the Gospel, but He never calls us to become comfortable with the world’s rebellion against Him.
This week, ask yourself: Whose counsel am I listening to? Who is influencing my life? What friendships are shaping my children? Let us be wise about those with whom we spend our time. We are called to love sinners, preach Christ, and serve others, but we must never become comfortable warming ourselves beside those who openly scorn the grace, holiness, and love of God.
“But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.” May God’s Word be our counsel, our delight, and our daily guide.