Elijah then told all the people, “Approach me.” So all the people approached him. He repaired the altar of the Lord that had been torn down. Then Elijah took twelve stones, corresponding to the number of tribes that descended from Jacob, to whom the Lord’s message had come, “Israel will be your name.” With the stones he constructed an altar for the Lord. Around the altar he made a trench large enough to contain two seahs of seed. He arranged the wood, cut up the bull, and placed it on the wood. Then he said, “Fill four water jars and pour the water on the offering and the wood.” When they had done so, he said, “Do it again.” So they did it again. Then he said, “Do it a third time.” So they did it a third time. The water flowed down all sides of the altar and filled the trench. When it was time for the evening offering, Elijah the prophet approached the altar and prayed: “O Lord God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, prove today that you are God in Israel and that I am your servant and have done all these things at your command. Answer me, O Lord, answer me, so these people will know that you, O Lord, are the true God and that you are winning back their allegiance.” Then fire from the Lord fell from the sky. It consumed the offering, the wood, the stones, and the dirt, and licked up the water in the trench. When all the people saw this, they threw themselves down with their faces to the ground and said, “The Lord is the true God! The Lord is the true God!” Elijah told them, “Seize the prophets of Baal! Don’t let even one of them escape!” So they seized them, and Elijah led them down to the Kishon Valley and executed them there. 1 Kings 18:30-40
New English Translation
It’s so easy to say you’re all for something or someone when things are easy. When it’s the popular thing and everyone is cheering you on, it’s a breeze. A lot of times, people want to live life based on what gets them the most hearts and approval from those around them. However, that’s a dangerous and unhealthy way to live. As standards and preferences change, so will people’s approval. Talk about being tossed around by the wind! You’ll never be stuck with one thing for long if all you want is to get a thumbs up from someone.
Elijah was a good example of not living for approval. He always followed God even when it wasn’t popular. He even had to run for his life because the Queen wanted to kill him because she didn’t like that Elijah wouldn’t serve her god! Imagine if he’d been too afraid to break the “status quo” or if he just had to have everyone happy with him. I seriously doubt that he would have been so close to God if he’d lived like that. See, the popular thing was to disown God and dishonor Him.
Unfortunately, right now the popular thing is not God. The popular thing is to “just do you” and make your own “happy.” The way to get approval is to deny any morality and wisdom and guidance from God and to just pick your own “path to paradise.” Though people are advertising that style of living as really living, it truly isn’t. Having to constantly be searching for a new “cool” thing to put you on top, seeking attention in place of affection, those are just hollow substitutes for truly living.
The only real place to find life is through Jesus.
You see, Jesus is steady. He never changes. he always has the same standards and expectations, and He’s willing to help you walk in them! Jesus is never going to just pop up one day and say, “That was so two months ago, the new thing is…” because He is the way, the truth, and the life. True joy, true peace, true hope are all found in Him.
Now, realize, walking with Jesus is not popular. Not at all. However, the only person you should care what they think is God, and He likes it when His kids want to hang with Him. Would you rather have the approval of fickle humans or an awesome, creative, and consistent God? Personally, I’d prefer the consistent one.
A lot of times we look to those around us to see if we’re on the right track. The thing is, everyone else is also trying to figure out if they are on the right track! Talk about the blind leading the blind. The best way not to find the right path is to follow someone who doesn’t know where they’re going. On the flip side, though, the best way to figure out where to go is to follow the one who made the path.
Guess what…God made the path.
If you want to ensure that you’ll make the journey to the right place, then follow Jesus, not the people who don’t even know where they’re going! The great thing is that God is so familiar with the journey and the path that He can get you there no matter what wrong turns you’ve made. All you have to do is listen to Him and obey His directions and He’ll get you there! It may not be the popular thing to do, but it sure is better than the alternative.
Have you given your life to Jesus? If not, or if you want to restart your commitment to God, pray this prayer with me:
God, thank you that no matter my wrong turns, you’ve got my back. Thank you that you’re keeping track of me and are ready to lead me home. Forgive me for ignoring your guidance, focus me on your wisdom and truth. Lead me home. Amen
If you prayed that prayer, congratulations! Your journey with God just started and I’m very excited for you!