What steps can we take to avoid doing "what was right in his eyes"? Verse in View “In those days there was no king in Israel; everyone did what was right in his own eyes.” (Judges 17:6) Understanding the Drift When the human heart is left ungoverned by God’s authority, it naturally drifts toward self-rule (Jeremiah 17:9; Proverbs 14:12). Israel’s chaos illustrates what happens when God’s throne is vacant in daily life. Anchoring Yourself in God’s Word • Immerse yourself in Scripture daily – “Your word I have hidden in my heart that I might not sin against You.” (Psalm 119:11) – Use reading plans, audio Bibles, or verse-memorization cards to keep truth constantly before you. • Measure every decision by the whole counsel of God – “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness.” (2 Timothy 3:16-17) Submitting to the True King • Consciously surrender your will to Christ each day – “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.” (Proverbs 3:5-6) • Let His lordship shape your priorities, relationships, and ambitions (Luke 6:46; Colossians 3:17). Walking by the Spirit • Invite the Spirit’s filling before choices are made – “Walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.” (Galatians 5:16) • Pay attention to His promptings through conscience enlightened by Scripture (Romans 8:14). Renewing the Mind • Replace cultural narratives with biblical truth – “Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” (Romans 12:2) • Limit influences that dull spiritual sensitivity—media, conversations, or environments that normalize sin (Ephesians 5:11). Practicing Obedience Immediately • Act on what you already know – “Be doers of the word, and not hearers only.” (James 1:22) • Keep short accounts with God; confess and turn quickly when you stumble (1 John 1:9). Cultivating Biblical Community • Surround yourself with believers who point you to Christ – “Let us consider how to spur one another on to love and good deeds, not neglecting to meet together.” (Hebrews 10:24-25) • Invite accountability; allow trusted friends to challenge attitudes and actions (Proverbs 27:17). Guarding the Heart • Monitor thought life and affections – “Watch over your heart with all diligence, for from it flow the springs of life.” (Proverbs 4:23) • Replace ungodly desires with higher delights in God’s presence (Psalm 16:11). Living in Ongoing Dependence • Abide in Christ through prayer and worship – “Remain in Me, and I will remain in you… apart from Me you can do nothing.” (John 15:4-5) • Regularly remember the gospel that saved you; gratitude fuels obedience (Titus 2:11-12). Summary Checklist 1. Daily Scripture intake 2. Conscious surrender to Christ’s lordship 3. Sensitivity to the Holy Spirit 4. Mind renewal by truth 5. Immediate, practical obedience 6. Accountable community 7. Guarded, joyful heart By walking these steps, we avoid the tragic pattern of doing what is right in our own eyes and instead live under the wise, loving rule of our true King. |
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