In what ways can we ensure our actions align with God's will today? Setting the Scene “Their father had given them many gifts of silver and gold and treasure, together with fortified cities in Judah, but he had given the kingdom to Jehoram because he was the firstborn.” (2 Chronicles 21:3) Jehoshaphat’s distribution of gifts shows deliberate, ordered stewardship: material blessings shared broadly, authority reserved for the son whom God’s covenantal pattern identified. Though Jehoram later failed, the verse itself models steps that help us line up with God’s will. Principles for Aligning Actions with God’s Will • Recognize God-Assigned Roles – Jehoshaphat honored God’s order by entrusting kingship to the firstborn. – 1 Corinthians 12:18: “But in fact, God has arranged the members of the body, every one of them, according to His design.” – Application: Accept assignments God gives—parent, employee, ministry servant—and resist envying positions He has not entrusted to us. • Steward Every Resource Purposefully – “Many gifts of silver and gold and treasure” were given for good use, not hoarding. – Luke 16:10: “Whoever is faithful with very little will also be faithful with much.” – Application: Budget, give, and invest time, talent, and finances as managers, not owners. • Guard Against Jealousy and Division – Gifts to each brother aimed to prevent rivalry; jealousy still erupted when Jehoram chose murder over trust. – James 3:16: “For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every evil practice.” – Application: Celebrate others’ blessings; refuse comparison that breeds strife. • Seek the Lord First, Not Merely Structure – Proper distribution cannot replace a heart after God; Jehoram’s later apostasy proves systems alone are insufficient. – Proverbs 3:5–6: “Trust in the LORD with all your heart… He will make your paths straight.” – Application: Begin decisions with prayer and Scripture, not merely strategic planning. • Allow Scripture to Set Your Course – Jehoshaphat’s act reflected Deuteronomy’s firstborn principle; he anchored choices in revealed truth. – Psalm 119:105: “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” – Application: Ask, “What does the Bible already say about this?” before asking for new guidance. Living It Out Today 1. Daily Word Intake • Read, memorize, and meditate so that God’s precepts shape instinctive responses. 2. Honest Inventory • List roles, relationships, possessions. Surrender each back to God; ask how to handle them for His glory. 3. Action Filter • Before acting, run decisions through three checks: a. Does Scripture permit or command it? b. Will it strengthen others, not just myself? (1 Corinthians 10:24) c. Can I do it “in the name of the Lord Jesus” with gratitude? (Colossians 3:17) 4. Accountable Community • Share plans with mature believers who love both you and God’s truth; invite correction. 5. Ongoing Surrender • Re-evaluate regularly; like Jehoshaphat’s sons, circumstances change, but God’s will remains fixed. As we acknowledge God’s order, steward resources, resist envy, stay anchored in Scripture, and pursue continuous surrender, our everyday choices increasingly mirror the will of the One who has already laid out the path before us. |
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