How can we ensure our actions align with God's will, like in Joshua 22? Grounding Our Hearts in the Text “When they came to the region of the Jordan that is in the land of Canaan, the Reubenites, Gadites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh built a large, imposing altar there by the Jordan.” (Joshua 22:10) The altar looked like disobedience, yet it was meant as a witness to continued covenant loyalty. From this episode we glean clear counsel for keeping our own choices in step with God’s revealed will. Start With What God Has Said • Scripture is our first and final authority. • Psalm 119:105—“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” • The eastern tribes knew Moses’ commands about worship (Deuteronomy 12:13-14) and never intended to violate them. Examine Motives Before You Act • 1 Chronicles 28:9—“The Lord searches every heart and understands every desire and every thought.” • The tribes built for “a witness between us” (Joshua 22:27), not for rebellion. • Ask: Is this decision springing from love for God and neighbor? Submit Plans to Wise, God-Fearing Counsel • Proverbs 11:14—“Victory is won through many counselors.” • Israel sent Phinehas and ten chiefs; dialogue prevented civil war. • Invite elders, pastors, and mature believers to weigh in before major steps. Guard Against the Mere Appearance of Evil • 1 Thessalonians 5:22—“Abstain from every form of evil.” • The tribes quickly clarified intentions when misunderstood (Joshua 22:29). • If an action could look rebellious, rethink or clearly explain it beforehand. Stay Humble and Correctable • James 1:19—“Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger.” • The eastern tribes listened to accusations, then answered respectfully. • Willingness to adjust or apologize keeps hearts aligned with God. Keep Covenant Unity Central • Ephesians 4:3—“Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.” • The altar emphasized shared worship at the tabernacle, preserving unity across the Jordan. • Our individual choices should strengthen, never fracture, Christ’s body. Test Everything by God’s Character and Mission • Romans 12:1-2—present bodies as living sacrifices, be transformed by renewed minds, “then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is.” • Ask: Does this action reflect holiness, love, justice, and truth? Does it advance the gospel? Build Reminders That Point Future Generations to Faithfulness • Joshua 22:28—“It will be a witness between us and you.” • Create rhythms, traditions, and physical markers (journals, Scripture plaques, family worship) that proclaim loyalty to the Lord. Walk Daily in Dependence on the Spirit • Galatians 5:25—“Since we live by the Spirit, let us walk in step with the Spirit.” • Regular prayerful surrender keeps small choices aligned before they grow into large ones. Putting It All Together 1. Saturate every decision with Scripture. 2. Check motives in God’s searching light. 3. Seek accountable, godly counsel. 4. Avoid even the hint of rebellion. 5. Remain teachable. 6. Prioritize unity in the covenant family. 7. Evaluate by God’s character and mission. 8. Establish memorials of faithfulness. 9. Rely on the Spirit moment by moment. Following these steps keeps us from self-made altars and ensures our actions, like those of the faithful tribes in Joshua 22, honor the Lord and align with His perfect will. |
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