God's Ways

 "He was deeply committed to the ways of the Lord." II Chronicles 17

 

"You're not serious, are you? That's not true! You don't know what you're talking about." It was an interesting conversation to say the least. At some level, I wish I would have said less. Not because what I said resulted in a lively and targeted attack against me, but because what I said drew more attention to me than the particular Biblical perspective I presented. Regardless, it was very apparent that Biblical morality was more than just a little offensive to my fellow college classmates. God's ways aren't always appreciated.

 

When Jehoshaphat ascended to the throne, he did so fully committed to the ways of the Lord. God's favor was on him as he obeyed God. He sought God. He rejected idols and all forms of false worship. He prepared teaching teams to travel the country. He had numerous copies of the Book of the Law made. Under the blessing of God's protection, he strengthened the country's defenses and organized his military under the leadership of strong and gifted men. He was well on his way to a wonderful life in favor with God and people.

 

What are we deeply committed to these days? Earning money? Recreational activities? Our careers? Our kids? Our health? Our marriages? None of these are bad things, of course. They're actually blessings from God. However, none of them or anything else we could think of are to be our first concern. Jesus said, "Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness..." Establishing the priority of the divine, his person and his ways, is what leads us to a spiritually powerful life. There, we discover we were made for so much more than we could ever imagine.

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