How can we avoid becoming "accursed" as mentioned in Psalm 119:21? Setting the Context “You rebuke the arrogant—the cursed—who stray from Your commandments.” (Psalm 119:21) The psalmist sees a clear line: arrogance that drifts from God’s Word invites real, tangible judgment. The question, then, is how to stay on the blessing side of that line. Who Are the Accursed? • The proud in heart (James 4:6; Proverbs 16:5) • Those who knowingly abandon God’s commands (Deuteronomy 11:28) • Anyone depending on works yet failing to keep the whole law (Galatians 3:10) Root Attitudes to Reject • Self-reliance that resists submission to Scripture • Selective obedience—treating God’s commands as optional • Indifference toward sin, assuming grace excuses ongoing rebellion Positive Steps to Stay under Blessing 1. Cultivate Humility – Regularly acknowledge your dependence on God (James 4:10). – Invite correction from Scripture and from mature believers. 2. Embrace Whole-hearted Obedience – “Blessed are those whose way is blameless, who walk in the Law of the LORD.” (Psalm 119:1) – Obedience is not perfectionism; it is a settled direction of life. 3. Soak in the Word Daily – Memorize and meditate (Psalm 119:11). – Let the Word reshape attitudes before actions. 4. Practice Quick Repentance – When you stumble, confess immediately (1 John 1:9). – Keep short accounts with God; prolonged hardness breeds curse. 5. Lean on Christ’s Redemption – “Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us.” (Galatians 3:13) – Rest in His finished work while pursuing holiness. 6. Walk in Community – Meet with believers who value Scripture (Hebrews 10:24-25). – Mutual encouragement guards against blind spots that lead to arrogance. Cementing the Practice • Create a simple Bible-reading plan and guard the time. • End each day with a brief heart check: pride confessed, obedience renewed. • Serve others intentionally—nothing dismantles arrogance faster than humble service. • Regularly recall Deuteronomy 11:26-27: blessing follows obedience; curse follows defiance. Living in humble, responsive obedience keeps the door of blessing wide open and the shadow of being “accursed” far away. |
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