How can we ensure our service aligns with God's purpose, as in 1 Chronicles 26:32? Seeing the Pattern in 1 Chronicles 26:32 “Jeriah had 2,700 relatives who were able men—heads of households—and King David appointed them over the Reubenites, the Gadites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh for every matter pertaining to God and the affairs of the king.” • God raised up qualified, trustworthy men for tasks that touched both the sacred (“matters pertaining to God”) and the civic (“affairs of the king”). • David did the appointing, yet the work was unmistakably God-directed. • The verse shows seamless cooperation between divine purpose and human responsibility. Core Principles for Service That Matches God’s Purpose • Scripture drives every assignment. 2 Timothy 3:16-17: “All Scripture is God-breathed… so that the man of God may be complete, fully equipped for every good work.” • God equips before He assigns. Exodus 31:2-3; Ephesians 2:10. • Alignment involves both heart and skill. Psalm 78:72: “He shepherded them with a heart of integrity and guided them with skillful hands.” • Authority structures matter. Hebrews 13:17; Romans 13:1-2. • Service must honor both God and people. Matthew 22:37-39; Colossians 3:23-24. Practical Steps to Stay Aligned 1. Anchor every plan in clear biblical teaching. Psalm 119:105. 2. Evaluate motives: Are we seeking God’s glory or personal recognition? 1 Corinthians 10:31. 3. Recognize and use spiritual gifts. 1 Peter 4:10-11 lists stewardship and speech gifts governed by “the strength God provides.” 4. Submit to godly oversight—elders, ministry leaders, employers—as Jeriah’s relatives submitted to David. 5. Keep prayer and the Word intertwined (Acts 6:4): prayer tunes the heart, Scripture informs the mind. 6. Regularly assess fruit. John 15:5: abiding in Christ produces fruit that endures. Warning Signs of Drifting Off-Purpose • Busyness crowds out personal devotion (Luke 10:38-42). • Results become a source of pride rather than praise (Acts 12:21-23). • Compromise with culture overrides biblical conviction (2 Kings 17:33). • Isolation from accountability (Proverbs 18:1). The Blessings of Purpose-Aligned Service • God’s approval and reward—“Well done” (Matthew 25:23). • Lasting impact on others; legacy of faith (2 Timothy 1:5). • Inner joy and peace—“His commandments are not burdensome” (1 John 5:3). • A strengthened witness that draws people to Christ (Matthew 5:16). |
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