Bible Commentaries

THE LORD’S SERVICE

‘Serve Him with a perfect heart and a willing mind.’

1 Chronicles 28:9

If Solomon had always and resolutely followed this advice which his father offered him at the outset of his career, he would have led a more noble life, and would have left behind him a less ambiguous memory. For the heart is the spring of conduct, and it is by affecting the spiritual nature that true religion governs the life, and influences society to holiest purpose. What better counsel can be given to youth?

I. The knowledge of the Lord.—This is commended as the very beginning of true wisdom and happiness. Let the young be at pains to inform themselves as to the character, the purposes, the will of their Creator and Saviour, as proclaimed in Revelation, and they will thus lay a foundation for their future welfare. Ignorance here is folly indeed.

II. The seeking of the Lord.—This is the practical action which corresponds to, and follows upon, the theoretical knowledge. God may be sought in the aspirations and the prayers of a devout nature, and by consulting the sacred oracles. The gracious promise is here, as in so many places, vouchsafed, that they who seek shall find.

III. The service of the Lord.—(1) Observe the disposition with which this service should be undertaken: cheerfulness is characteristic of all true and acceptable obedience. (2) Observe the measure of consecration: a perfect, i.e. undivided surrender of the whole nature to Him Who deserved a complete devotion, and Who will not accept any partial tribute. (3) Observe the practical nature of true religion as here set forth; to know and to seek the Lord must be regarded as introductory to a course of daily service and unflagging devotion and obedience.

Illustration

‘It has been noticed on board ships that sailors are never so troublesome and inclined to be mutinous as when they have no work to keep them employed. This accounts for the conduct of a well-known old sea-captain who used to set his men to scour the anchor when there was nothing else for them to do. No one was sent into the world to be idle. All have some talents committed to their charge, and all are expected to make the best use of them their time will allow. How full of wisdom are the words of Solomon, “Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might, for there is no work in the grave whither thou goest.”’