“He who walks in uprightness [reverently] fears the LORD [and obeys and worships Him with profound respect], But he who is devious in his ways despises Him.”

Proverbs 14:2 AMP

Today our verse focuses on the active verb “he who walks.” The verb here carries the sense of “moving in a linear direction from one place to another.” It also can be used to identify a person with a particular group or belief by their actions! WOW! That sounds like the call of Christ in our life to be conformed to His image! The identifying mark of one who walks in uprightness is one who “reverently” fears the Lord. The call of God in our life is clear,

“Therefore I urge you, [b]brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies [dedicating all of yourselves, set apart] as a living sacrifice, holy and well-pleasing to God, which is your rational (logical, intelligent) act of worship. 2And do not be conformed to this world [any longer with its superficial values and customs], but be [c]transformed and progressively changed [as you mature spiritually] by the renewing of your mind [focusing on godly values and ethical attitudes], so that you may prove [for yourselves] what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect [in His plan and purpose for you].”

Romans 12:1-2 AMP

It isn’t surprising then to see that Satan wants to steal the minds of our children. One of the evilest men in the history of the world knew this to be true. Adolf Hitler killed off the men who had the knowledge of what was right and raised a whole generation of children indoctrinated by his warped philosophy. We all know where that path led! Fast-forward to 2023. We can clearly see the plan of our enemy to raise a generation without the knowledge of God, good or evil. Today, evil is good and good is evil. Just mention the name of Jesus Christ and it’s like dropping a glass on a tile floor. You can feel the hate and anger rising up in those practicing unrighteousness! The antidote for this attack is given to us in the book of Romans, 

“2And do not be conformed to this world [any longer with its superficial values and customs], but be [c]transformed and progressively changed [as you mature spiritually] by the renewing of your mind [focusing on godly values and ethical attitudes], so that you may prove [for yourselves] what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect [in His plan and purpose for you].”

Romans 12:2 AMP

The believer is called out of the darkness of the enemy’s camp and into the marvelous light of God’s love. Jesus told His disciples to go and “make disciples.” The call wasn’t to establish churches although churches were formed. It wasn’t to build huge edifices although beautiful buildings exist to the glory of God. Those are all good but if they are void of the call to holiness and conformity to Christ, they are of no more value spiritually than the local bar and tavern! The Scripture tells us that we are on a journey through this life. The goal of that journey is clearly stated,

“Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good deeds and moral excellence, and [recognize and honor and] glorify your Father who is in heaven.”

Matthew 5:16 AMP

Do you see it? The light shining from our lives is moral excellence! In our opening verse we see the word “uprightness.” That Hebrew word means “the quality of conforming to a moral standard which displays honesty, integrity, or words and actions according to that which is real and true.” My friends let me remind you that the Word of God is real and true and a guide to the moral standards by which life should be lived. Remember that our flesh is living from a fallen nature. It wants what it wants. Our spirits however are now transformed and enlightened to the truth of this life.

Let me encourage you today to never backdown from doing or saying what is true and morally excellent! Remember that love isn’t always easy. There are times that discipline is needed to prevent a future disaster from occurring. Take time today to renew your mind in the Word of God for in it is the path to an upright life! Have a blessed day, Pastor Ken