Today’s Reading, 1 Chronicles 7-10
Focal Scripture: 1 Chronicles 10:13 “Saul died for his unfaithfulness to the Lord because he did not keep the Lord’s word. He even consulted a medium for guidance,”
Standards matter. Keeping your word matters. I have been around enough places that I can tell you this truth: the places with standards are successful. It is not always easy to keep the standard and implement it. Why? Because accountability means you have to be held responsible for your actions. It also means the places that do not have clear communication run people off who expect high standards.
I worked at one place where the standard was never expressed. When it was, it changed from day to day depending on the mood of the leader. One person expressed it this way, which worked in that environment. “I never know what I am walking into every day. I don’t know what to expect, and this person’s attitude changes from minute to minute. I feel like I am always walking on eggshells around them, just waiting for them to explode.” This place had no standards, and it applied to every aspect of leadership in that organization.
In today’s reading we find out what happens when people do not keep the word of the Lord. Saul was king and had everything at his disposal that he needed to be successful. However, he decided to be unfaithful to the Lord and would not keep his word. Saul did what was right in his own eyes. He even consulted a medium to get spiritual answers. Because Saul violated the Lord’s clear teaching his lost his kingship and ultimately lost his life. Saul did not keep the standard the Lord had set for him and his house.
So what is the takeaway for us today? It is to keep the word of the Lord and make it a priority in our lives. How many believers do you know who purposefully violate scriptural teachings? They know what is expected, and instead of passionately fulfilling the word, they brush it off like it doesn’t matter.
What about you? Do you fulfill the teachings of the Lord? Do you treat others with respect? Do you make much of mediating on God’s word? If not, we are just as guilty as Saul.
My intention is not to be negative, but to draw your attention to biblical truth. The truth we need to know is that God expects our obedience. Not partial obedience but complete and passionate obedience. This makes the Lord happy. This is what changes lives and sets hearts on fire.
Are you willing to be obedient no matter what and forsake selfishness? If you are, you will grow exponentially in your faith.
Tomorrow, I plan on reading Psalms 102-104
