2 Chronicles 25.2 (Good Enough?)

Amaziah did what was pleasing in the LORD’s sight, but not wholeheartedly. [2 Chronicles 25.2]

Wow, here is a great gravestone epitaph: "He was a good man, but not completely."

Not enough is said today about holiness. Oh, I am not talking about just the sins we don't do. I am talking about the holiness beyond what we "don't do" - the holiness of what we do in faith.

Jesus was clear that those who would follow Him would "do" some things. A couple stand out in particular. Jesus said:

Then Jesus said to his disciples, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross, and follow me. [Matthew 16.24]

In fact, Matthew's Gospel records Jesus as having made this statement twice (also in Matthew 10.38).

Another big thing Jesus said those would follow Him would "do" is:

“I tell you the truth, anyone who believes in me will do the same works I have done, and even greater works, because I am going to be with the Father. [John 14.12]

The summary of these two things together is this: Act like Jesus. Period.

I am afraid most Christians may be described as "good" but not "good like Jesus." They are good people, but not wholeheartedly.

Father, help us to be wholeheartedly pleasing to You! Thank You for giving us Jesus to measure our lives by!