Day 104

Today we examine where we should be looking for help. Psalm 101:3 says: "I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes: I hate the work of them that turn aside; it shall not cleave to me." The word "wicked" means worthless, good for nothing, and unprofitable. Do you see that this goes far beyond looking at immoral pictures? This is very broad and it would do us well to consider what we set before our eye gates.

Adam Clarke said of this verse: "What is good for nothing or evil in its operation, what is wicked in its principle, and what would lead me away from righteousness and truth, I will never set before my eyes." Clarke gives us a real practical application of this verse. Where does what you are looking at lead you? Does it bring you closer to God or does it draw you away from Him? Susanna Wesley, the Mother of John Wesley the founder of the Methodist Church, wrote him the following in 1725:

“Take this rule: whatever weakens your reason, impairs the tenderness of your conscience, obscures your sense of God, or takes off your relish of spiritual things; in short, whatever increases the strength and authority of your body over your mind, that thing is sin to you, however innocent it may be in itself.”

These are powerful words and no doubt in part based on our text today. We are to consider everything that comes before you. Now it should be apparent why I have stressed studying and speaking the Word of God. By doing so, you will be drawn to God and not away from Him. The Word sanctifies and makes you clean (see John 17:17). Anything else is just not God's best for your life. Watch what you are watching and ask yourself the question: "Is this drawing me closer to God?" If the answer is no, then quit watching it and find something that will allow you to answer yes. You will be glad you did and so will your loved ones.