““I go the way of all the earth; be strong, therefore, and prove yourself a man. And keep the charge of the Lord your God: to walk in His ways, to keep His statutes, His commandments, His judgments, and His testimonies, as it is written in the Law of Moses, that you may prosper in all that you do and wherever you turn;”

‭‭I Kings‬ ‭2:2-3‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

I’ve been wondering lately what maturity according to biblical standards looks like lately, and today’s passage gives some insight into my wonderings. 

In what would become David’s final exhortation to his son Solomon, David charged his son with the powerful words above. His charge IS what biblical maturity looks like:

Be strong; therefore, and prove yourself a man. 

And keep the charge of the Lord:

Walk in His ways. 

Keep His statues. 

Keep His commandments. Keep His judgements. 

Keep His testimonies. 

It takes discipline to walk in His ways. It takes strength of character to keep His testimonies. It takes denying myself and saying yes to Him. 

In the original text, the phrase “keep the charge” comes from two Hebrew words “šāmar mišmereṯ” – protect, persevere, observe and safeguard the covenant of G-d – like a sentry at a gate. 

Without Christ, it is impossible to keep the charge on my own. If I am to walk in biblical maturity, I have to guard His presence in my life. I have to make room for Him. I have to protect the gates with all diligence. To “be a man” – a mature believer – I have to take responsibility for myself, my growth, my relationship. It’s not up to my pastor or husband. It’s not dependent upon a friend or small group leader. It’s me. It’s Him. That’s it. 

If each of us did kept the charge individually, can you imagine how we could change the world?

Father – give me grace for today. Help me to walk with You in this season when I feel lost and confused. Help me to honor You more. You are good. Your leadership in my life is perfect and You can be trusted. Amen. 

Daily Reading: 1 Kings 1-2, Psalms 37, 71, 94

May 29, 2022