What actions can we take to avoid the dishonor described in Jeremiah 22:18? Setting the Scene “Therefore this is what the LORD says about Jehoiakim son of Josiah king of Judah: ‘They will not lament for him, saying, “Oh, my brother!” or “Ah, my sister!” They will not lament for him, saying, “Oh, my master!” or “Ah, his splendor!”’ ” (Jeremiah 22:18) Jehoiakim died without honor, affection, or lasting respect. Scripture tells us why (Jeremiah 22:13-17): he exploited laborers, loved luxury, oppressed the innocent, and ignored God. To escape the same shame, we must choose a very different path. Roots to Uproot • Pride that rejects correction (Proverbs 16:18) • Injustice toward workers, the poor, and foreigners (Jeremiah 22:3) • Self-indulgence that crowds out generosity (Luke 12:15) • Disregard for God’s covenant commands (Deuteronomy 28:15) Pursue an Honorable Life before God • Walk humbly – “He mocks the mockers but gives grace to the humble.” (Proverbs 3:34) – Practice thankfulness; admit faults quickly; defer praise to the Lord. • Practice justice and mercy – “He has shown you, O man, what is good… do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with your God.” (Micah 6:8) – Pay fair wages, refuse bribes, speak for the voiceless, protect the unborn, care for widows and orphans. • Obey God’s Word wholeheartedly – “If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word.” (John 14:23) – Read, memorize, and apply Scripture daily; let no command seem optional. • Cultivate compassion – “Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.” (Matthew 5:7) – Visit the sick, feed the hungry, give generously, practice hospitality. • Build with integrity – “Better the poor whose walk is blameless than the rich whose ways are perverse.” (Proverbs 28:6) – Conduct business transparently; keep promises; honor contracts. • Seek godly accountability – “Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.” (Proverbs 27:17) – Invite trusted believers to question your motives, spending, and speech. Practical Daily Habits • Begin each morning in the Word and in confession (Psalm 119:9-11). • Schedule regular times of silent self-examination (Psalm 139:23-24). • Set aside a percentage of income for the needy before personal spending (2 Corinthians 9:7-9). • Speak words that build up, never tear down (Ephesians 4:29). • Keep Sabbath rhythms to remember who truly rules your time (Exodus 20:8-11). • Celebrate others’ successes; refuse envy (Romans 12:15). • Respond to criticism with gentleness, not retaliation (Proverbs 15:1). • Repent immediately when the Spirit convicts (1 John 1:9). Christ: Our Perfect Example “Have this mind among yourselves, which was also in Christ Jesus… He humbled Himself and became obedient to death—even death on a cross.” (Philippians 2:5-8) Honoring God means following the Servant-King: sacrificial love, servant leadership, unwavering truth. Living Outcome “Whoever honors Me, I will honor, but those who despise Me will be disdained.” (1 Samuel 2:30) Choose humility, justice, obedience, and compassion now, and your legacy—unlike Jehoiakim’s—will echo with godly honor both on earth and before the throne. |
    |