As we close out 2016, like every year, many people look back and reflect on the year. As a new year dawns, let us become an obedient Christian.
Last night, I read through Revelation 22, and Malachi 2 last night. I wanted to share some wonderful truths that I learned last night from Malachi 2:
Some context: Malachi is speaking about the Covenant that Levi had with the Lord, and the topic is concerning priests… however, these are important for every Christian to be characterized by:
5 My covenant with him was one of life and peace, and I gave them to him. It was a covenant of fear, and he feared me. He stood in awe of my name. 6 True instruction[a] was in his mouth, and no wrong was found on his lips. He walked with me in peace and uprightness, and he turned many from iniquity. 7 For the lips of a priest should guard knowledge, and people[b] should seek instruction from his mouth, for he is the messenger of the Lord of hosts. 8 But you have turned aside from the way. You have caused many to stumble by your instruction. You have corrupted the covenant of Levi, says the Lord of hosts.
9 Characteristics of an Obedient Christian:
1. Fear the Lord
2. Stand in awe and reverence of God
3. Speak God’s Word and His instruction
4. No wrong must be found on our lips
5. Walk in peace and uprightness
6. Turn yourself and others from iniquity
7. Guard knowledge
8. Speak wisdom to others
9. Be a messenger of the Lord
While this is addresses specifically to priests, I never believe it’s a bad thing to think about everything in scripture as a whole, cross reference it, and see if it applies to my life specifically, or our lives as Christians in the time we are in now.
We should always, fear God, always be in reverence of Him and His Word. All of these things that Malachi listed should be what we live day-in, day-out.
Let all of these define us in this coming new year… let us live these out daily, to the glory of God and the building up of ourselves and others towards sanctification.
