Not By Executive Order

2 Chronicles 34

31 The king took his place of authority beside the pillar and renewed the covenant in the LORD’s presence. He pledged to obey the LORD by keeping all his commands, laws, and decrees with all his heart and soul. He promised to obey all the terms of the covenant that were written in the scroll. 32 And he required everyone in Jerusalem and the people of Benjamin to make a similar pledge. The people of Jerusalem did so, renewing their covenant with God, the God of their ancestors.

Oh, that it were so easy. I mean to just have someone in a position of authority or power to make a decree and then have everyone follow the LORD from that point forward. It wasn’t that easy in Josiah’s case, and it is impossible today. It’s not how God works in the lives of people. No one can “force” anyone else to obey God’s commands. We Christ followers are not like the Muslims, who resort of coercion to mandate their belief system. No, we know that humans have free will. In order to convince people that following Christ is the ONLY right way to live, we must live right as an example for others to follow. No executive decree can accomplish that. Lives surrendered to Christ in obedience to the Gospel make all the difference. May my life make the difference for one person who is seeking Truth today.