Above All
We have different ways of calling attention to what is the most important thing to do in a certain situation. One of the ways is to say, "Above all." That simply means that what follows needs to come at the top of the list of our priorities. It is vital. We must not neglect to do that well. When we say this, we do it for the good of the people to whom it is said, because we care about them, and we do not want them to be harmed in any way. This is what Samuel told the people in his farewell speech as the prophet and priest of God's people. (I Samuel 12:24) He made sure to tell all Israel that above all they were to fear the Lord, and to worship Him faithfully with all their heart, while they stopped to consider the great things that God had done for them. I think this is a very succinct list of what believers need to do today.
The fear of the Lord is diminishing in the lives of believers today, instead of growing. I am basing that on the fact that there is more compromising of basic beliefs now than ever, at least in my lifetime. People do not fear going against the clear teachings of the Bible. It is as if they think God will not care about their failure to follow Him and bring judgment upon them. That is the fear of the Lord that needs to be increasing today, not decreasing. Also, all of us, as believers, need to worship the Lord faithfully with all our heart. This is not just on Sunday at church services. It is giving God the glory and worship He deserves all week long in our personal time with Him and at work and at school. Believers need to lift up the Lord and the Good News of Jesus all the time and do it with all of our being. It is a lot easier to do both of these vital things when we consider the great things He has done for us. He has saved us from the penalty of our sins, given us eternal life, filled us with His Spirit, and given us numerous earthly blessings every day we live. This should be plenty of reasons to fear Him and worship Him faithfully with all our heart. I believe America and the world would be changed for the better, if all of God's people would do these things "above all."
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Tomorrow, I intend to read I Samuel 14-17.