What steps can we take to ensure our actions align with God's will? A Snapshot from Jeremiah 41:1 “ In the seventh month, Ishmael son of Nethaniah, the son of Elishama — who was of royal blood and had been one of the king’s officers — came with ten men to Gedaliah son of Ahikam at Mizpah. And while they were eating together there at Mizpah, ” (Jeremiah 41:1) Ishmael’s cordial meal masks treachery that will unfold in the following verses. His duplicity highlights how easily actions can drift outside God’s will when hearts are unsurrendered. Step 1 — Stay Spiritually Alert • Ishmael’s victims let their guard down. • 1 Peter 5:8: “Be sober-minded and alert. Your adversary the devil prowls…” • Proverbs 4:23 reminds, “Guard your heart above all else.” Step 2 — Seek the Lord First • Gedaliah ignored warnings (Jeremiah 40:13-14) and never paused to pray. • Psalm 25:4-5: “Show me Your ways, O LORD… for You are the God of my salvation.” • James 1:5: “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God.” Practical handles: – Pause and pray before committing. – Open Scripture, asking, “Does this choice reflect God’s character?” Step 3 — Discern People by Their Fruit • Ishmael’s royal pedigree impressed, but his heart was corrupt. • Matthew 7:16-20: “By their fruit you will recognize them.” • 1 Samuel 16:7: “Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.” Checklist: – Observe consistent behavior, not titles. – Weigh counsel and conduct against God’s Word. Step 4 — Invite Wise, God-fearing Counsel • Gedaliah dismissed Johanan’s warning (Jeremiah 40:15-16). • Proverbs 11:14: “Victory is won through many advisers.” • Hebrews 10:24-25 urges believers to “spur one another on toward love and good deeds.” Action points: – Cultivate friendships that challenge you biblically. – Share plans with mature believers for accountability. Step 5 — Obey Even When It’s Unpopular • Had Gedaliah acted on the warning, he might have seemed paranoid, yet obedience could have spared lives. • Joshua 1:8: meditate and “do everything written in it.” • John 14:15: “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.” Prayerful resolve: “Lord, let my loyalty to You outweigh public opinion.” Step 6 — Anchor Every Decision in Scripture • 2 Timothy 3:16-17: Scripture equips “for every good work.” • Psalm 119:105: “Your word is a lamp to my feet.” Daily practice: – Read systematically, not sporadically. – Journal verses that speak to current decisions. – Measure motives, timing, and methods against clear biblical teaching. Key Takeaways to Live Out Today • Vigilance keeps deception at bay. • Prayer and Scripture study precede wise action. • Evaluate people and opportunities by godly fruit, not outward appeal. • Surround yourself with believers who love truth enough to warn you. • Obedience may cost popularity, but it secures blessing. • A life tethered to God’s Word stays aligned with His will. |
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