Taking Heed Thereto According to Thy Word

2012-06-19

“Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word.” (Psalm 119:9)

This specifically pertains to a young man. We might say that it could apply to anyone, which is true. But this is for the young man, who is at the beginning of his life and learning to seek after God. The young man will be the leader of his house someday, and be the patriarch of his family. He will be the one to love his wife as Christ loves the church. He will be the one who will lead his children to Christ and raise them up in godly ways. He will be the one who provides for his family. This verse, therefore, is important to be considered with young men in mind, who will bear great responsibility.

This also specifically speaks of a young man’s way. This pertains to all he is and all he does. The word “conversation” (as the Bible uses it) comes to mind, such as in Philippians 1:27. This is the purging of how this young man is to conduct his life.

In short, the way for this young man to cleanse his way is by the Word of God. This is knowing the Bible, and letting the Bible sink into his innermost being by meditation. Secondly, the Word of God is also Jesus Christ, whom we cannot divorce from the written Word. Trusting in Christ, living like he lived, and following his call is the way that this young man shall be purged: both positionally in Christ and experientially as he sojourns in this world.

I am a young man, or at least young enough, to take heed according to God’s Word. Because of the man’s role in the family, the cleansing by the Word of God is a dire task. What is he telling us today?