Have you ever sought anything wholeheartedly? Not casually, not on and off, not halfheartedly, not even like it really mattered but not enough to give up something you thought was better.
WHOLE-heartedly—as in, “I won’t rest until I find/achieve/gain…!” (whatever it is. Going after something with such fervor and singular focus that nothing else really matters at that point. You’ll give up whatever you have to, to get it.
Maybe it’s a career goal. Or a husband/wife. Or a PhD. Or an Olympic gold-medal. Or fame, status, wealth, “the sky’s the limit.”
But why let the sky be the limit? Why not chase hard after the Lord, Who created the sky, and isn’t limited by anything?
Why indeed? 2 Chron. 17:3-13, which describes Jehoshaphat, King of Judah’s, life gives us some excellent reasons to seek the Lord wholeheartedly:
- He’ll be with us. (v.3) The Lord doesn’t hide. He wants us to find Him, so we’ll always have Him on and at our side. But we have to seek Him first.
- We’ll walk in the right path(v.4)—His ways, the ways that work best and keep us out of trouble and heartache. This sure beats following the directions and practices of those around us.
- The Lord will establish our “kingdom” (v.5)—that is, fulfill our dreams, because our dreams will be aligned with His purpose and will. And, He’ll even give us good reputations and plenty to live on, as part of that. NOT because we seek that, but as a “side-effect” of seeking HIM
- We’ll develop good character—hearts “courageous in the ways of the Lord” (v.6)— to do what’s right, to walk in integrity, no matter the temptation or opposition.
- That, in turn, will lead to us getting rid of anything bad and/or that causes evil, in our own lives and in any groups we lead. (v.6) If we’re not the leader by position, He’ll enable us to lead by standing up against the evil—no matter the risk of social or physical persecution. No fear, not even of social media repercussions!
- He’ll enable and appoint us to teach and train others in our circle(s) His Word and ways. (v.7-9)
- The fear of the Lord will come on those around us, so they don’t “make war” against us. In fact, they’ll even contribute to the cause. (v.10-13)
Does that last one sound too far-fetched? It’s one thing for Him to improve our character, help us make better choices, and bless us, but how can He turn enemies into friends without violating their free will?
That would take a miracle. But then, He’s in the habit of working miracles, including changed lives and hearts.
That kind of change still happens today. For example, the stories of people turning to Christ because of the character and witness of His followers who “overcome evil with good”. (Rom. 12:21)
Prov. 16:7 also promises, “When a person’s ways please the Lord, He makes even their enemies to be at peace with them.”
This reminds me of the summer going into my senior year of college. My hometown happened to also be home to a major state university with 40,000 students. The twin towns around it consisted of around 50,000 locals—mainly farmers, tradespeople, workers, and non-intellectual folks (not counting the professors). These two “worlds” only mixed when they had to. Feelings of “townies” toward “unis” and vice versa ran from tolerance to hostility to condescension, depending on who you talked to.
Enter someone returning from a prestigious private college looking for a summer job. The only one I could find was at a local restaurant. Quick of brain but slow of hands wasn’t exactly what they needed, but they hired me anyway and put me on salad prep. Next to a full-fledged “townie”. To her I represented not only “the enemy”, but a traitor who’d “gone over to the other side! Not the best way to begin a relationship with your nearest co-worker!
I heard words I wasn’t used to hearing, often in reference to “college-types” like me. Words that mama kept a bar of soap handy for anyone at home who dared utter them!
I responded by agreeing that students weren’t always kind or respectful. Then I’d ask her to please show me how to do something I was having trouble with. That surprised her at first. Weren’t “college-types” always arrogant know-it-alls? So she’d give a curt answer. After a few times she saw I sincerely respected her knowledge and expertise in areas I clearly needed to learn, and her attitude softened. By the end of summer she had decided that “maybe college-types” weren’t all bad”. We even became friends.
Whether she ever gave her life to Jesus I don’t know. But I do know that with His help, I was able to demonstrate His love. How could I do that? Certainly not by my own nature. By nature, when facing hostility, we all tend to respond with “fight or flight”. My default mode is “flight”. Definitely not “engage in conversation with tough people who express extreme dislike for me”!
But when I sought the Lord wholeheartedly, He changed my heart and response. He gave me HIS eyes for this young lady, to respond with love and courage.
Whatever we need to accomplish, He’ll enable us to. However we need to think, He’ll enable us to. However we need to relate, He’ll enable us to. Leave the results to Him.
Our part is to seek the Lord wholeheartedly. Then, as Keith Green once sang, “He’ll take care of the rest”! In other words, “Seek first the Kingdom of God and all these things will be added to you.” Mat. 6:33.
Leave a Reply