For the eyes of the Lord roam throughout the earth to show himself strong for those who are wholeheartedly devoted to him. 2 Chronicles 16:9 (CSB)
The expression, “Don’t put all of your eggs in one basket” has been around for centuries. It advises that it is unwise to place all of your resources, hopes, dreams, even faith in one place, or in one person.
In parts of the world, it is relatively easy to persuade someone to “accept Christ” into their life. The problem is that they simply add Jesus to all of their other gods and idols. While it may be more subtle, how many people today simply add Jesus to their lives in an effort to diversify just in case the Bible is true?
Will God accept anything less than wholehearted devotion? We can begin by looking at the first commandment: “Do not have any other gods besides me.” (Exodus 20:3). Continuing on: Do not bow in worship to them, and do not serve them; for I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God… Exodus 20:5 (CSB). It has been said that an idol is anything that we allow to take God’s place.
There is not an adequate substitute for wholehearted devotion. Solomon may have been the wisest man to ever live, but that couldn’t save him from the enticements brought by his many wives. When Solomon was old, his wives turned his heart away to follow other gods. He was not wholeheartedly devoted to the Lord his God, as his father David had been. 1 Kings 11:4 (CSB)
God is looking for people who are wholeheartedly devoted to him. We ignore God’s desire at our own peril. How can we achieve wholehearted devotion?
True Wisdom
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. Proverbs 9:10 (CSB)
Solomon is a conundrum. Without a doubt he was wise in the things of this world, and he could also connect the fear of the Lord and wisdom. Yet where was the application in his own life in his later years? Can we learn the lesson that Solomon neglected?
The problem is not a lack of knowledge. The greatest challenge is endurance. Solomon began his reign in glory and victory. The dedication of the temple was a demonstration of God’s awesome presence and power. Solomon experienced unprecedented success, but he stopped pressing onward and upward.
Proverbs tells us that the fear of the Lord is the “beginning of wisdom.” Starting well is important, but finishing well is even more so. Wholehearted devotion is never complacent. Danger awaits anyone who thinks that they have “arrived.” Paul admonished the Galatians: You were running the race so well. Who has held you back from following the truth? Galatians 5:7 (NLT)
A reoccurring theme in the epistles was the challenge to keep moving on with God. For example, Paul was not content with just getting people saved. His goal was discipleship, growth, and maturity. He knew that there were many deceivers, and sources of deception lying in wait. But I fear that somehow your pure and undivided devotion to Christ will be corrupted, just as Eve was deceived by the cunning ways of the serpent. 2 Corinthians 11:3 (NLT)
Finishing well is a real struggle. The Bible and history provide many examples of those who started well, but did not finish the race. We must keep our eyes on the prize.
Heart Transplant
I will give them an undivided heart and put a new spirit in them; I will remove from them their heart of stone and give them a heart of flesh. Then they will follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws. They will be my people, and I will be their God. Ezekiel 11:19–20 (NIV)
The only way for us to have wholehearted devotion, and an undivided heart is to receive a transplant. An old heart of stone will never suffice. The heart is more deceitful than anything else, and incurable—who can understand it? Jeremiah 17:9 (CSB)
When we come to Christ, he gives us a new heart. But do not be deceived into thinking that receiving a new heart makes us invulnerable. Solomon began with a heart to know God. His downfall may have been the many wives he accumulated for himself. They enticed him to follow other gods.
It may not be the same temptation, but each one of us has an area of weakness. Once again, ironically, Solomon understood: Guard your heart above all else, for it is the source of life. Proverbs 4:23 (CSB)
What are we doing to maintain the integrity of our heart? An unguarded heart will never be wholeheartedly devoted to God.
Make a Choice
“No one can serve two masters, since either he will hate one and love the other, or he will be devoted to one and despise the other. Matthew 6:24 (CSB)
The world may try and tell us to not put all of our eggs in one basket, and perhaps as financial investment advice it works, but God wants all of us, body, soul, and spirit. We know that God is a jealous God. He will not share his glory, and he will not share us with any other “god.” Joshua challenged the people: But if it doesn’t please you to worship the Lord, choose for yourselves today… As for me and my family, we will worship the Lord.” Joshua 24:15 (CSB)
God desires wholehearted devotion from us, but it is not solely for his benefit. There is a joy and confidence that comes with wholehearted devotion. This includes peace: You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you! Isaiah 26:3 (NLT). There is unprecedented hope: We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain. Hebrews 6:19 (CSB). And so much more.
May our prayer include, “Lord, may we serve you with wholehearted devotion, and give us an undivided heart for you.”
Steve Ekeroth