How can we ensure our actions align with God's will today? A Snapshot of Nadab’s Misstep “ He did evil in the sight of the LORD and walked in the way of his father and in his sin, which he had caused Israel to commit.” (1 Kings 15:26) • Nadab copied the ungodly pattern set by his father, Jeroboam. • His unchecked influence dragged an entire nation into sin. • The verse reminds us that habitual choices—good or bad—take others with us. Key Lesson: Alignment Is Deliberate, Not Accidental • Nadab “walked” in a way already marked out. We either choose God’s path or drift into someone else’s. • Psalm 119:105—“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” God supplies both direction and illumination; we supply willing footsteps. Step 1: Anchor Every Decision to Scripture • 2 Timothy 3:16-17—Scripture “thoroughly equips” us for every good work. • Practical habit: Before acting, ask, “Where does God speak to this in His Word?” • Keep a running list of verses that address recurring life decisions (finances, relationships, speech, purity). Review them before choices become habits. Step 2: Guard the Influences You Imitate • 1 Kings 15:26 stresses Nadab’s imitation of Jeroboam. Imitation still shapes us today. • 1 Corinthians 15:33—“Bad company corrupts good character.” • Choose mentors, media, and friendships that reinforce, not erode, obedience. Step 3: Practice Ongoing Heart Checks • Proverbs 4:23—“Guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” • Schedule regular times (morning and evening work well) to review: – Motives: Why am I pursuing this? – Methods: Am I compromising to get results? – Momentum: Is this taking me closer to Christlikeness? Step 4: Rely on the Holy Spirit’s Empowering • Galatians 5:16—“Walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.” • Yielded dependence turns biblical knowledge into obedient living. • Invite His correction immediately when conviction surfaces, keeping accounts short. Step 5: Embrace God-Honoring Accountability • Hebrews 10:24—“Let us consider how to spur one another on toward love and good deeds.” • Share goals with mature believers who will: – Celebrate faithfulness. – Confront drift firmly but lovingly. – Pray specifically for your obedience. Step 6: Reject Small Compromises Early • Song of Songs 2:15 speaks of “little foxes that ruin the vineyards.” • Nip subtle sins—half-truths, lingering bitterness, escapist entertainment—before they harden into a lifestyle like Jeroboam’s and Nadab’s. Step 7: Offer Each Day to God as Worship • Romans 12:1-2—Present your bodies as living sacrifices and be transformed by renewing your mind. • Alignment flows from a surrendered life, not occasional religious gestures. Putting It All Together Aligning actions with God’s will today means choosing Scripture-shaped steps, Spirit-empowered obedience, and godly influences—avoiding Nadab’s legacy of inherited rebellion and establishing a path others can safely follow. |