The first Psalm, like many other passages of Scripture, gives me a clear contrast between God’s kingdom and the kingdom of darkness. There is a difference between good and evil. Our actions and words really do make a difference.
I was passing through a neighboring town recently, and in huge letters, the sign read, “No Rules. Just Jesus.” The Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20 makes it very clear that we need to make disciples who will obey the commands of Jesus. Like it or not, there really are things that we need to do and refrain from doing if we are going to follow Christ. There are rules which we are supposed to follow. They don’t save us, but they do provide boundaries that are very healthy for us.
People who don’t like to follow rules are like “chaff that the wind blows away.” The more I walk with the Lord, the more intimate I want to be with Him. To do that, I have to be less attached to this world and more attracted to Him and His Kingdom. He’s given me some very clear instructions on how to do that, and they involve commands which, when obeyed, reveal more and more of His life and glory.