How can we ensure our actions align with God's will, as seen in Judges 17:2? Setting: A Stolen Silver Confession Judges 17:2 records, “He said to his mother, ‘The eleven hundred shekels of silver that were taken from you and about which I heard you utter a curse—look, the silver is with me; I took it.’ Then his mother said, ‘Blessed be my son by the LORD!’” Micah’s words move him from hidden theft to open admission, giving us a window into how everyday actions either stray from, or realign with, the Lord’s will. Key Lessons From Judges 17:2 • Honesty matters. Confession is the first right step. • Restitution follows confession; he gives the silver back. • External blessing is meaningless without inward obedience. • Partial obedience cannot substitute for wholehearted surrender. Principles for Aligning Our Actions With God’s Will 1. Measure every choice by Scripture. (Psalm 119:105; 2 Timothy 3:16-17) 2. Confess sin promptly and completely. (1 John 1:9) 3. Make things right with people you have wronged. (Leviticus 6:2-5) 4. Reject half-measures and hidden idols. (Deuteronomy 12:4) 5. Seek godly counsel instead of self-designed religion. (Proverbs 11:14) 6. Keep the heart devoted to the LORD alone. (Deuteronomy 6:5) Guardrails for Everyday Decisions • Pray over plans, asking the Spirit to expose hidden motives. (Psalm 139:23-24) • Compare intentions with clear commands—if they conflict, obey the Word. (James 1:22) • Consider witness: will this action honor Christ before others? (Matthew 5:16) • Evaluate fruit: does it promote righteousness, peace, and joy? (Romans 14:17) • Remain teachable; correction today prevents compromise tomorrow. (Hebrews 3:13) A Final Encouragement Micah’s story warns that confession is not the finish line; ongoing submission to God’s Word is. Honesty, restitution, complete obedience, and wholehearted devotion keep our actions consistently aligned with His will. |