How can we ensure our actions align with God's will, unlike Omri's? Omri’s Choice: Building but Missing God’s Heart • 1 Kings 16:24: “Omri bought the hill of Samaria from Shemer for two talents of silver, built a city on the hill, and named the city he built Samaria, after Shemer, the owner of the hill.” • Verse 25 records the tragedy: “But Omri did evil in the sight of the LORD and did more evil than all who were before him.” • Omri’s problem was not in city-planning; it was in heart-planning. He advanced his kingdom but ignored God’s. Foundational Truths for Staying on Course • God’s Word is completely true and the final authority (Psalm 119:160). • His will is revealed clearly: love Him, obey Him, reflect His holiness (Deuteronomy 10:12-13; John 14:15). • Whenever leaders or individuals disregard that revelation, decline follows (Judges 2:11-15). Key Pillars to Align Our Actions with God’s Will 1. Scripture Saturation – “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” (Psalm 119:105) – Regular reading, memorizing, and meditating guard the heart from Omri-like drift. 2. Trust and Submission – “Trust in the LORD with all your heart…and He will make your paths straight.” (Proverbs 3:5-6) – Yield decisions—both big and small—to God’s direction rather than personal ambition. 3. Ongoing Transformation – “Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” (Romans 12:2) – God’s will becomes clearer as the mind is renewed by truth. 4. Obedient Action – “Be doers of the word, and not hearers only.” (James 1:22) – Knowing God’s will always leads to doing God’s will. 5. Humble Accountability – “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.” (Proverbs 15:22) – Invite godly voices who will ask, “Is this honoring the Lord?” Daily Practices that Keep Us from an ‘Omri Path’ • Begin each morning with Scripture before screens. • Pray through plans, asking, “Will this advance God’s kingdom or merely my own?” • Review motives: Am I driven by love for God or personal gain? (1 Samuel 15:22). • Track obedience: journal specific steps taken in response to God’s Word. • Worship with God’s people—regular corporate praise realigns priorities (Hebrews 10:24-25). Encouragement from Christ’s Example • Jesus said, “My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me.” (John 4:34) • Following Him means city-building, career-building, or family-building will all flow from a heart set on the Father’s pleasure. Conclusion: Building Wisely • Omri erected walls that soon crumbled spiritually. • When believers build on the rock of Christ’s words (Matthew 7:24-25), every action—public or private—aligns with God’s will and stands firm for eternity. |
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