What actions can we take to ensure we follow God's will like Solomon? Setting the Scene 1 Kings 2:29: “When it was reported to King Solomon that Joab had fled to the Tent of the LORD and was beside the altar, Solomon commanded Benaiah son of Jehoiada, ‘Go, strike him down!’” Joab’s flight to the altar was a last-ditch attempt to escape justice for murders he had committed (vv. 31-33). Solomon’s swift, clear decision shows a heart aligned with God’s standards of righteousness. What Solomon Modeled • Listened to godly counsel (David’s charge, vv. 1-9) • Weighed the situation against God’s revealed law (Genesis 9:6; Numbers 35:33) • Acted promptly, trusting that obedience honors God more than human custom • Kept personal feelings secondary to God’s justice Actions We Can Take to Follow God’s Will 1. Seek Wisdom First • 1 Kings 3:9 — “Give Your servant an understanding heart to judge Your people and to discern between good and evil.” • James 1:5 — “If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all…” Practical step: Begin decisions with prayerful study of Scripture and a request for discernment. 2. Submit to God’s Standards over Human Sentiment • Proverbs 3:5-6 — “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding…” • Acts 5:29 — “We must obey God rather than men.” Practical step: Evaluate choices by clear biblical principles, not cultural pressures or personal preferences. 3. Act Decisively When God’s Will Is Clear • Joshua 1:7 — “Be strong and very courageous, being careful to do all the law…” • Ephesians 5:15-17 — “Be very careful, then, how you live… understand what the Lord’s will is.” Practical step: Once Scripture and wise counsel confirm the path, move ahead without delay or compromise. 4. Maintain Accountability • Proverbs 15:22 — “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.” • Hebrews 10:24-25 — “Let us consider how to spur one another on toward love and good deeds…” Practical step: Invite mature believers to speak into your decisions and follow-through. 5. Guard Against Partial Obedience • 1 Samuel 15:22 — “To obey is better than sacrifice.” • Luke 6:46 — “Why do you call Me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say?” Practical step: Finish what God assigns, even when the final steps are uncomfortable. Checking Our Hearts • Ask, “Is this choice consistent with God’s character revealed in His Word?” • Examine motives (Psalm 139:23-24). • Refuse shortcuts that ignore righteousness, as Joab tried to do. Staying Ready to Obey • Daily Scripture intake (Psalm 119:9-11). • Regular confession and repentance to keep conscience clear (1 John 1:9). • Continuous dependence on the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:16). When we seek wisdom, submit to Scripture, act decisively, stay accountable, and obey fully, we mirror Solomon’s commitment in 1 Kings 2:29—living lives that honor God’s will above all else. |
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