A Charge to Keep - Part Two

“‘...I go the way of all the earth: be thou strong therefore, and shew thyself a man; and keep the charge of the LORD thy God, to walk in his ways, to keep his statutes, and his commandments, and his judgments, and his testimonies, as it is written in the law of Moses, that thou mayest prosper in all that thou doest, and whithersoever thou turnest thyself: that the LORD may continue his word which he spake concerning me, saying, If thy children take heed to their way, to walk before me in truth with all their heart and with all their soul, there shall not fail thee (said he) a man on the throne of Israel.’” – 1 Kings 2:1-4 (KJV, emphasis mine)

In last week’s blog, we began discussing this passage of scripture in which King David gave his son, Solomon, a charge to keep. David, a man after God’s own heart, King of Israel, shepherd, giant-slayer, and a man undefeated in military combat recognized that he was just a man and was destined to die like all other men. So he delivers a final charge to his son, Solomon. A review of this scripture reveals timeless truths that can also be applied to our lives. I invite you to ponder the following points in order to capture David's charge and apply it to our walk with God.

1. Practice spiritual strength and manifest maturity.
“Be strong, therefore, and prove yourself a man…” Like a discerning dad, David probably sensed some deficiency in Solomon. He recognized from first-hand experience the demand and scope of responsibility required by being a King and that it would challenge his son in ways that would bring out the best or worst in him. This position of power would either “make him or break him.” Whatever the exact reason was, David knew Solomon needed strength and courage (prove yourself a man). Great responsibilities require great strength and courage. Whatever your station in service for the Lord, I encourage you to exercise spiritual strength and maturity. Be strong in the Lord and the power of His might!

2. Be resolute to remember your representation and responsibility as a Christian.
If you are a follower of Jesus Christ, you are a Christian first before you are a man, woman, parent, professional or any other role you experience.

3. Practicing obedience to God fortifies fellowship.
David also realized that Solomon could not be strong or courageous without obedient fellowship with God. When we position ourselves in the place of obedient fellowship, we, like Solomon, will enjoy great prosperity.

4. Commit to the charge that comes from God.
“And keep the charge of the LORD thy God, to walk in his ways, to keep his statutes, and his commandments, and his judgments, and his testimonies, as it is written in the law of Moses, that thou mayest prosper in all that thou doest, and whithersoever thou turnest thyself…” (emphasis mine) Solomon was encouraged to be strong mentally, emotionally and spiritually and to keep the Word of the Lord. Just like Solomon, we should show ourselves to be people that stand and fight for right and against wrong. We should embrace what the eternal Lord requires: to walk in His ways, specifically to keep His commands, laws, and requirements.

Question: Have you abdicated or absorbed the charge of the Lord for your life? By practicing the aforementioned principles you will prove yourself to be faithful to the charge that God has called all of us to keep.

For the Glory of God,

PBKSR