1 Chronicles 28:9(KJV)
And thou, Solomon my son, know thou the God of thy father, and serve him with a perfect heart and with a willing mind: for the Lord searcheth all hearts, and understandeth all the imaginations of the thoughts: if thou seek him, he will be found of thee; but if thou forsake him, he will cast thee off for ever.
In one of the most significant transitions recorded in the Old Testament, Solomon assumed the throne from his father, David. King David, who was sick, gave this ever-relevant advice to his son to serve God, who has chosen him with a perfect heart, and to be careful not to forsake Him because if he does, God will not hesitate to cast him away. David admonishes Solomon to have a single-minded devotion to God because nothing less matters since God knows our every intention, for there is no pretense with God. At the beginning of his reign, God removed every adversary that could hinder his peaceful and prosperous rule. Sadly, later in his life, he lost that favor, presence, and peace of God, for the Lord stirred up an adversary unto Solomon. Having lost the restfulness and pleasure of God, Solomon had wars. The reason is simple, he did evil in the sight of the LORD and went not completely after the LORD, as David, his father, did. Solomon lost out because he refused to heed the warnings of God(1 Kings 3:14) and his father David to serve God with a perfect heart and a willing mind.
Solomon’s experience goes against the false teaching of eternal security, where many say, “Once saved is forever saved, or there is a free checkbook to go about sinning.” Here is a prime lesson for all heaven-bound pilgrims whose promotion and upliftment depend on continued obedience to God. Moses, who had an unbroken record of unquestioning obedience to God’s Word and humility in his dealings with the Israelites, was denied the privilege of entering the Promised Land because of disobedience to God(he struck the rock twice when God said to him to speak to it). Nothing else matters in the Kingdom of God as living a life that steadfastly conforms to God’s Principles as contained in the Scriptures because mere profession without obedience is vain. We can’t claim to be God’s chosen people when we are in crisis but bow down to false gods and the devil when life is great. We can’t claim to be His children and live like the world where God is not first class in our lives. Every task involved in serving God requires a willing heart, for God not only understands our motivations behind what we do, He knows our thoughts.
Beloved, God is Merciful, and He is also God of Justice. No matter what promises you’ve received from Him, if you forsake Him, He will also leave you. It’s as simple as that, let no one deceive you. Galatians 6:7 says, “Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.” When you sow holiness, there is a reward. Likewise, anyone who sows wickedness and is full of sin will reap destruction. Seeking God and His kingdom should be the priority of your life (Matthew 6:33). Don’t expect God to put you first when He is last in your life. Seek God wholeheartedly and with the simplicity of heart; seek Him continually and without delay. When you seek Him, you develop an intimate relationship with Him, not just get what you want when you want it. Don’t live as some who have taken God’s GRACE for granted and think grace will forever cover them. I will end with Romans 6:1-2, “What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?” If you are living in sin, come to the well where Jesus offers living water and take a drink by asking Him to forgive you of your sins and invite Him into your heart and life as your Lord and Savior. Today, develop a single-minded devotion to God, dedicate yourself to Him, and commit to daily fellowship through Bible study and prayer.
O Lord, I receive the grace to serve You with all my heart and soul. Deliver me from every form of disobedience in Jesus’ Name.