August 22, 2021: Don’t Stop Short

“But you, be strong and do not let your hands be weak, for your work shall be rewarded” (2 Chron. 15:7, NKJV).

This scripture caused me to reflect on my spiritual condition, and ask, Have I done enough? Have I gone far enough? As Christians, we may do “enough” to satisfy ourselves, or even our pastor. But is it enough to please God?

When Asa became king, Judah was a total mess. The people had rejected the true God and boldly worshipped idols. Asa made some courageous moves to reform the nation: “He removed the altars of foreign gods and the high places, and broke down the sacred pillars and cut down the wooden images. He commanded Judah to seek the Lord God of their fathers, and to observe the law and the commandment” (2 Chron. 14:3–4, NKJV). Judah flourished under his reign. There was, however, still more work to be done. The reformation was incomplete. So God sent Azariah to encourage Asa to be strong and finish the work.

Like many Christians, I took aggressive measures to align my life with the Scriptures. Major changes took place and were eradicated: harmful behaviors, shameful practices and filthy language. But was that enough? Did I stop short of God’s goal for me? Did I trade His standards for the standards of men?

Maybe we should re-examine our habits and thoughts. Is our reformation complete, or is there more work yet to be done? May we all be encouraged by the words of Azariah: “But you, be strong and do not let your hands be weak, for your work shall be rewarded!”

Dear Lord, let us not grow weary of doing good. Please strengthen our hands and finish Your great work in us. Amen.

Jeffery Thomas is the head elder of the Calvary church in Virginia.