In 2009, few things are off limits.  In America, you can turn on the TV, internet, iPhone, Blackberry or whatever and find just about anything you want to see, hear or read within seconds.  Few things seem to be off-limits and now there are even so-called reality shows that allow viewers to look in on non-actors engaged in real-life inappropriateness.  King David's words are a sharp contrast as he reflects on God's goodness: 

Psalm 101:1-4 (ESV) 
    A Psalm of David.
    I will sing of steadfast love and justice;
        to you, O Lord, I will make music.
    [2] I will ponder the way that is blameless.
        Oh when will you come to me?
    I will walk with integrity of heart
        within my house;
    [3] I will not set before my eyes
        anything that is worthless.
    I hate the work of those who fall away;
        it shall not cling to me.
    [4] A perverse heart shall be far from me;
        I will know nothing of evil.
   
David was no blind zealot.  He was a fierce lover of God, a poet-thinker, and one of the most fierce and skilled warriors for God's people.  We see each characteristic in this psalm.  First, David writes about the music he will make for the Lord; bringing his heart, mind, hands and voice to exalt the King of Kings, celebrating God's character and virtues.  The next two verses show that David's not just a starry-eyed romantic, but a man committed to living out the integrity that comes from his trust in God.  Then the final four verses, show a man of action.  David was not only committed to personal delight in the Lord and joyful submission, but also to making his surroundings into a pure and holy city that pleased the Lord.  Wow.

It was once a demonstration of faithfulness to God to seek to "destroy all the wicked in the land."  No more, though.  Still, what an example of a life devoted to God!  What caught my attention most was this strong statement: "I will not set before my eyes anything that is worthless...I will know nothing of evil."

Let that settle in for a moment.  "I will not set before my eyes anything that is worthless."  "I will know nothing of evil."

Nothing worthless.  Complete experiential-ignorance of evil. 

King David set the bar high because he saw how high God is above himself. 

The tragedy is that it seems like many people have come to treat purity and holiness as a sort of Christian hobby.  David's attitude puts an abrupt stop to that line of thinking because not only is he trying to stay away from the sex scenes in R-rated movies.   But David also committed to not even look at anything that has no value.  "I will not set before my eyes anything that is worthless."

I'm so challenged by this.  What are the worthless things in my life, Lord?  What needs to be stripped away despite the pain and cost?  What am I observing, considering, enjoying, laughing at that is actually worthless?  Please, Lord, purify me from the inside as I gaze on your goodness.

How about you, reader?  Are you convinced of God's goodness?  Are you in awe of his steadfast love and justice?  Have you experienced the kindness of God in your life?  Do you believe in His perfect holiness and high standards?  If so, how is your life reflecting your beliefs?  Have you made a commitment to God to stop your eyes, your mind, your heart from feasting on worthless things? 

Take some time to assess things in your life that you run to when times get tough.  Anything worthless there?  Anything leading to rot rather than righteousness?  Get rid of it!  Just think how much better life will be as we all seek to honor Christ.  Consider trimming back any of these in favor of something more productive: Do you need that extra dose of news? TV?  Music?  Hobby reading?  Shopping?  Video games?  Gardening?   (None of  these things are inherently evil, but the problem can be in our hearts.) 

Anything worthless in you?  Take some time to evaluate with King David's standards, it's a worthy offering to give to the Lord!