Do Everything As Unto God
Jehoshaphat lived in Jerusalem, and he went out again among the people from Beersheba to the hill country of Ephraim and turned them back to the LORD, the God of their ancestors. He appointed judges in the land, in each of the fortified cities of Judah.
He told them, "Consider carefully what you do, because you are not judging for mere mortals but for the LORD, who is with you whenever you give a verdict. Now let the fear of the LORD be on you. Judge carefully, for with the LORD our God there is no injustice or partiality or bribe."
. . . "You must serve faithfully and wholeheartedly in the fear of the LORD. . . . Act with courage, and may the LORD be with those who do well." 2 Chronicles 19:4-11
He told them, "Consider carefully what you do, because you are not judging for mere mortals but for the LORD, who is with you whenever you give a verdict. Now let the fear of the LORD be on you. Judge carefully, for with the LORD our God there is no injustice or partiality or bribe."
. . . "You must serve faithfully and wholeheartedly in the fear of the LORD. . . . Act with courage, and may the LORD be with those who do well." 2 Chronicles 19:4-11
"Consider carefully what you do, because you are not judging for mere mortals but for the LORD, who is with you whenever you give a verdict." That was the admonition King Jehoshaphat gave to the judges to whom he entrusted the administration of justice in the land of Judah. I believe the areas of concern expressed by the king would serve well as guiding principles for us as well, in the execution of our duties and responsibilities.
First, consider carefully what you do: This was a reminder to the judges not to take their responsibilities lightly. They were to give careful weight and consideration to every aspect of the job at hand because it had repercussions for each person they served.
We must approach each assignment or job with this mindset. We must never be cavalier about the jobs and assignments entrusted to us because our actions affect real people in real life situations. Thoughtless actions and decisions can damage people irreversibly.
Second, you are not judging for mere mortals but for God: This is a reminder that ultimately, we must approach our responsibilities in life with the clear understanding that our service is for God and not for man. God is the final authority to whom we must give an account.
Third, God is with you whenever you give a verdict: God is all-seeing and all-knowing. We must always have the mindset that the Presence of the Lord is constantly with us. Such an understanding should encourage us to work and serve with joy, integrity, and even awe.
Fourth, do not show partiality and do not take a bribe: Each person we serve is equally valuable to God. We must avoid discrimination because all humans are created in the image of God. We must be respectful of all people. Also, we must not succumb to the deplorable temptation of bribery. It would pollute our judgment and lead to partiality. It can corrupt an entire society.
Fifth, serve faithfully and wholeheartedly in the fear of the Lord: As we undertake our responsibilities in life, we must do so not grudgingly and mournfully, but with joy and fullness of commitment. We must not serve reluctantly, but cheerfully and in the fear of God. The fear of God is the only guiding principle that can help us to serve with unbridled integrity.
Finally, act with courage: There are times when we must make rather difficult decisions in connection with our jobs, assignments, and responsibilities. There are times when we have to stand up for the truth all by ourselves. There are times when we must tell people what they would rather not hear. There are even times when we must fire people for incompetence or misconduct. All these require courage. We must make many difficult decisions along the way.
May our lives be undergirded by these laudable principles as we serve the Lord in our various assignments in life. Let's apply these principles not just to our jobs, but to every aspect of life.
First, consider carefully what you do: This was a reminder to the judges not to take their responsibilities lightly. They were to give careful weight and consideration to every aspect of the job at hand because it had repercussions for each person they served.
We must approach each assignment or job with this mindset. We must never be cavalier about the jobs and assignments entrusted to us because our actions affect real people in real life situations. Thoughtless actions and decisions can damage people irreversibly.
Second, you are not judging for mere mortals but for God: This is a reminder that ultimately, we must approach our responsibilities in life with the clear understanding that our service is for God and not for man. God is the final authority to whom we must give an account.
Third, God is with you whenever you give a verdict: God is all-seeing and all-knowing. We must always have the mindset that the Presence of the Lord is constantly with us. Such an understanding should encourage us to work and serve with joy, integrity, and even awe.
Fourth, do not show partiality and do not take a bribe: Each person we serve is equally valuable to God. We must avoid discrimination because all humans are created in the image of God. We must be respectful of all people. Also, we must not succumb to the deplorable temptation of bribery. It would pollute our judgment and lead to partiality. It can corrupt an entire society.
Fifth, serve faithfully and wholeheartedly in the fear of the Lord: As we undertake our responsibilities in life, we must do so not grudgingly and mournfully, but with joy and fullness of commitment. We must not serve reluctantly, but cheerfully and in the fear of God. The fear of God is the only guiding principle that can help us to serve with unbridled integrity.
Finally, act with courage: There are times when we must make rather difficult decisions in connection with our jobs, assignments, and responsibilities. There are times when we have to stand up for the truth all by ourselves. There are times when we must tell people what they would rather not hear. There are even times when we must fire people for incompetence or misconduct. All these require courage. We must make many difficult decisions along the way.
May our lives be undergirded by these laudable principles as we serve the Lord in our various assignments in life. Let's apply these principles not just to our jobs, but to every aspect of life.
Prayer: Father, I thank you for the responsibilities you have entrusted to me. Please help me to approach them with integrity, courage, and godliness. Amen.