Live the Life You Expect

2 Chronicles 34:29-33

The king stood by his pillar and renewed the covenant in the presence of the LORD. (2 Chron. 34:31)

AS A PIANO TEACHER, I hold myself to the same standard I expect of my students. If I want my students to practice regularly, I must do the same and make sure they witness me practicing what I teach. King Josiah was no different. What he asked of his people he first asked of himself. A leader with integrity knows he must first make sure his priorities and commitments are in order before demanding that of others. Being right with God was so important to Josiah that not only did he renew his covenant but he had everyone commit to upholding the covenant. Josiah lived the life he expected the Israelites to live. He did not ask the people to do anything he was unwilling to do himself. To be an effective servant of the Lord, he knew he must first follow the Lord. In keeping the commands of the Lord, Josiah built the foundation of his testimony that would lead to others following God. To effectively witness,we need to keep our lives in line with the Lord's instructions. Others will be more open to accepting the way of the Lord if they see it lived out in our actions and decisions.We gain credibility by living the way we want others to live, and continually renewing our covenant with God will strengthen our witness to those around us.

Jennifer R. Archer 

Renew your commitment to follow the Lord and keep His commands today.