A Dubious Category
As I journeyed through 1 Kings this morning, I came across a chapter where there were 5 Kings of Israel and they were all evil in the sight of God. They couldn’t seem to connect the dots that what happened to the guy before them was because he didn’t follow the Lord. Jereboam, son of Nebat was the first king in the divided kingdom and all others who did evil were compared to him. There was much blood shed and evil in the leadership of the kings. One king reigned only 7 days, but during that 7 days he killed off the family of the king before him.
In my journey with the Lord, I’ve learned that it’s more valuable to live to please Him than to seek to do Him harm. I’ve learned that my definition of success has changed since I really got to know the Lord personally. I realize the value of seeking the Lord and His way above all else. I don’t want to become so “heavenly bound” that I’m no “earthly good” to anyone. I simple want to live out my faith day to day in the decisions I make and the choices I take. I want to be an alert and attentive servant leader who notices details and walks in wisdom.
The last king in the chapter I read today seems to “take the cake” when it comes to evil behavior. He seems bent on defying God and His ways. He seems to take pride in doing the opposite of what the Lord wants. Check this out….
29 In the thirty-eighth year of Asa king of Judah, Ahab son of Omri became king of Israel, and he reigned in Samaria over Israel for twenty-two years. 30 Ahab son of Omri did more evil in the eyes of the Lord than any of those before him. 31 He not only considered it trivial to commit the sins of Jeroboam son of Nebat, but he also married Jezebel daughter of Ethbaal king of the Sidonians, and began to serve Baal and worship him. 32 He set up an altar for Baal in the temple of Baal that he built in Samaria. 33 Ahab also made an Asherah pole and did more to arouse the anger of the Lord, the God of Israel, than did all the kings of Israel before him.(1 Kings 16:29-33 NIV)
I’m going to serve the Lord from where I live, work and play. I’m not going to compare myself with others, I’m going to compare my life to Jesus. When I do that, I realize that I’ve got a long way to go. I do hope and pray that others will become attracted to Jesus and the peace He brings to life in those who walk with Him and follow His ways. I want to be in the faithful category NOT the rebellious category.
Pressing On!
Dwayne