Valuable words and a faithful life

As one approaches death and the end of life becomes a reality, parting words become more valuable. Last words seem to carry more weight and significance to us.

In 1 Kings 2:1-4, David shares his last words with his son Solomon. For David, the message to his son Solomon was simple: Solomon was to keep the charge of the Lord and to walk in His ways.

David knew that God would be faithful to fulfill His promise to David and his descendants, but what was not so certain was if David’s offspring would stay faithful to God.

Unfortunately, most of the kings who followed in David’s line proved to be unfaithful to the God who had delivered them out of bondage and had shown special favor to them as a people.

But the admonition remains as valid for us as it was for Solomon (without the immediate effects of sitting on the throne of Israel, of course).

We, as the people of God, redeemed by Christ, have been given great and precious promises. In return, we are to live out a life of faith and obedience to the One who has saved us and given Himself for us …“to love the Lord our God with all of your heart, with all of your soul, with all of your mind, and with all of your strength.” (Mark 12:30).

It is interesting and noteworthy that David tells Solomon that this type of life requires that Solomon be strong.

Great strength in the kingdom of God is shown when a person walks whole-heartedly before God and faithfully follows His path. However, in weakness, Solomon showed that a life lived for God is quickly robbed by a life lived for self.

I pray that you will indeed be strong and that you might serve God faithfully with your whole heart.

Jeff Kuhn is pastor of Mountain Springs Church in Sandpoint.