Committing to the Lord can be difficult and should involve conviction-led decisions. A Christian must make up his mind if, when, and how he will obey what he has seen or learned of the Word of God truths.
Many men and women of the past and present have had the tugging of the Holy Spirit encouraging them to obey God’s commandments, and they did. Their convictions and determination to do what God spoke to their hearts to do should be models for Christians.
Joshua decided that no matter what those around him were doing, he would serve the Lord.
“And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve… but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.” Joshua 24:15
No matter what others did, Samuel was determined not to sin.
“And Samuel said unto the people, Fear not: ye have done all this wickedness: yet turn not aside from following the LORD;… 23 Moreover as for me, God forbid that I should sin against the LORD in ceasing to pray for you:…” I Samuel 12:20-23
David was determined to build a great work for the Lord. Although God would not allow him to build the temple because of his past deeds, David provided all the necessary items for its construction and operation. He did what he could.
“And David said to Solomon, My son, as for me, it was in my mind to build an house unto the name of the LORD my God: 8 But the word of the LORD came to me, saying … thou shalt not build an house unto my name…” I Chronicles 22:7-10 Also: I Chronicles 28:2, 29:17.
Job was determined not to be a complainer.
“As for me, is my complaint to man? and if it were so, why should not my spirit be troubled?” Job 21:4
David determined to rely on God’s protection and honor God.
“As for me, I will call upon God; and the LORD shall save me.” Psalm 55:16 Also: Psalm 17:8-15.
David was determined to be obedient to God. One of God’s commandments was for all to attend the temple services and to worship God, and he did.
“But as for me, I will come into thy house in the multitude of thy mercy: and in thy fear will I worship toward thy holy temple.” Psalm 5:7
David was determined to abide by the standards God had shown him to uphold.
“… 11 But as for me, I will walk in mine integrity: redeem me, and be merciful unto me.” Psalm 26:9-11
David was determined to humble himself before his enemies and not to return evilness to other’s wickedness.
“… they laid to my charge things that I knew not. 12 They rewarded me evil for good to the spoiling of my soul. 13 But as for me, when they were sick, my clothing was sackcloth: I humbled my soul with fasting; and my prayer returned into mine own bosom.” Psalm 35:11-13
David was determined to have a consistent prayer life.
“But as for me, my prayer is unto thee, O LORD, in an acceptable time…” Psalm 69:13
Jeremiah was determined not to quit the task God called him to do.
“As for me, I have not hastened from being a pastor to follow thee: neither have I desired the woeful day; thou knowest: that which came out of my lips was right before thee.” Jeremiah 17:16
Jeremiah was determined to tell others what God wanted them to know, even if it cost him his life.
“Then spake Jeremiah unto all the princes and to all the people, saying, The LORD sent me to prophesy against this house and against this city all the words that ye have heard. 13 Therefore now amend your ways and your doings, and obey the voice of the LORD your God… 14 As for me, behold, I am in your hand: do with me as seemeth good and meet unto you. 15 But know ye for certain, that if ye put me to death …” Jeremiah 26:12-15
Daniel was determined not to be selfish with the wisdom God had given him. He made sure he shared it with those that would be helped by God’s truths.
“But as for me, this secret is not revealed to me for any wisdom that I have more than any living, but for their sakes that shall make known the interpretation to the king, and that thou mightest know the thoughts of thy heart.” Daniel 2:30
Being born-again into the family of God by salvation is only the beginning. After one is saved (Romans 10:9), God must and will do much “house cleaning” in a person’s character, if He is allowed.
A Christian is to be Christ-like and to be like Him. The new creature in Christ should find himself to be a changed person. Worldly thoughts and behaviors often are swept from a believer’s life, and different desires and behaviors will be proof of the Holy Spirit’s work in their lives.
“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new” II Corinthians 5:17
Christian, has the convicting Holy Spirit urged you to make changes in your lifestyle and character? Heed His prompting to make even the “little” changes in your personality, and how you react to situations you will face.
As for you, what will you do with God’s Words? Determine to do what He has shown you to do. If you do, you will discover yourself to be the new creature God desires you to be.
“Always do right. This will gratify some people and astonish the others.”— Mark Twain
