prolegomena

n. pl. pro·le·gom·e·na (-n)

1. A preliminary discussion, especially a formal essay introducing a work of considerable length or complexity.

2. prolegomena (used with a sing. or pl. verb) Prefatory remarks or observations. 

 

How blessed is the man

who does not walk in

the counsel of the

wicked,

Nor stand in the path of

sinners,

Nor sit in the seat of

scoffers!

But his delight is in the

law of the Lord,

And in His law he

meditates day and

night.

 - Psalm 1:1&2 (NASB)

 

           I’ve been meditating on this passage for the past week and a half. One thing that really stands out to me, as I try to find ways to apply it to my life, is the fact that our culture is full of the people that we are warned of in this very passage. Allow me to get a bit puritanical on you for a moment. Here are some of the questions that I’ve been asking myself, and perhaps you would like to join me in doing so…

• Of those that I respect, whether in my personal life, professional life or in the media, are their any that I allow to influence my worldview that could be considered wicked?
• Of those that I respect, whether in my personal life, professional life or in the media, are their any that I allow to influence my worldview that could be considered sinners?
• Of those that I respect, whether in my personal life, professional life or in the media, are their any that I allow to influence my worldview that could be considered scoffers?

           I take this method a step further. I say, if there are any that do this, it is my duty to weed them out of my sphere of influence as soon as possible, or as the Lord gives me opportunity to do so. Obviously, it will be easier to eliminate the media types first. Then, I will be able to focus on coworkers that negatively influence my walk. Then I will be able to focus on the more immediate personal sphere of influence.

           Of course, all of this should begin with an introspective look. In what areas am I wicked, sinful and a scoffer? Certainly I should work on myself above all, but part of this is removing all the influences that aid me in tending toward these heart conditions, as I said before. This is also paramount in how I should be thinking as I approach the prospect of writing a blog.

           One area where I’m having to work on myself, right now, is in the area of news talk shows, both on the radio and on TV. Often times, these shows are full of scoffers. According to these verses, It is not enough for me to ask, “Do these shows agree with my political mindset?” The question really is, “Are these shows made up of wicked, sinful scoffers?” More often than not, the answer to that question is a resounding, “Yes!”

          Now, don’t get me wrong. I’m not telling you what you should do in this instance. Rather, I’m just sharing with you how the Lord is working in my life. If you feel compelled, or convicted, to make the same observations about your life, and adjust accordingly, cool. That’s just one more person out there that I can relate to on this subject. That being said, here are the parameters I’m setting for this blog, so that you have an idea of what to expect in the future…

1. I will not use this blog to espouse views that the Holy Spirit has convicted me are wicked.

2. I will not use this blog to espouse views that the Holy Spirit has convicted me are sinful.

3. I will not use this blog in order to scoff either at other Christians or at the world in general.

4. The Bible will be the mode by which my conscience is informed by the Holy Spirit, on these matters, and I will read it daily.

5. I will always pray before posting.

           So this is my pledge to you, before God. In the future, I’ll try not to make my blogs so cut and dry, but I felt as though this first one should have a more reverencial feel to it. Be watching for my upcoming blogs on random topics. Talk at ya later.

Billy.

Originally published here.