Living A Longer Life

            And if thou wilt walk in my ways, to keep my statutes and my commandments, as thy father David did walk, then I will lengthen thy days.  1 Kings 3:14 (KJV)

            The Lord told King Solomon that the way to a long and healthy life was for him to walk in His ways and to keep His statutes and commandments. We know that this is not a legalistic walk of death in the letter of the law but a walk of loving regard for God and His Word. This can be seen by the phrase, “as thy father David did walk.” David made many mistakes, big ones, but still was a man after God’s own heart (Acts 13:22).

      Too many Christians ignore the ways of God in favor of the acts of God. They chase signs, wonders and miracles, or popularity, position and promotion rather than chasing after God Himself. Many are the books purchased in order to learn how to perform the acts rather than those that call one to heartfelt repentance and a life of holiness marked by character and integrity. Church growth seminars are much more willingly attended than times of prayer.

            To walk, Kly yalak, is to live a manner of life that has died to self and lives in Christ. The word, ways, Krd derek, refers to the course of life, manner, habit, or way of moral character. Statutes, qx choq, speaks of the prescribed actions expected of oneself while, commandments, hwum mitsvah, establishes the code of wisdom commanded by God. Thus, we gather that if one is to experience the supernatural addition of years to their life, they must have a heart like King David.

                As a lover of God, you will, from the heart, learn the Lord’s code of wisdom and what is expected of you as you develop the moral character that will guide the course of your life. With a deep, heartfelt desire to please the Lord, you will live a crucified life in Christ based upon His Word. As such, you will find resurrection life flowing in your spirit, soul and body. You will have the mind and the anointing of Christ, the wisdom and understanding of God manifest by the Spirit of Holiness and the benefit of that peace that passes all understanding.

This is not law but grace, the outworking of unfailing divine love.

George

Copyright (c) 2009 George M. Stover Jr.