“Amaziah was twenty-five years old when he began to reign, and he reigned twenty-nine years in Jerusalem. His mother’s name was Jehoaddan of Jerusalem. 2 And he did what was right in the eyes of the Lord, yet not with a whole heart.” 2 Chronicles 25:1-2 (ESV)
Mediocrity is a symptom of hypocrisy. Whenever you coast in your Christianity, you drift from the posture of passionate devotion to being at ease in Zion (Amos 6:1). Casual Christianity is displayed when you forsake your first love and allow other things to dilute your devotion and pollute your passion for the Lord.
Amaziah did what was right in the eyes of the Lord up to a certain level. His commitment was compromised and his character was corroded as he infiltrated his life with idols.
- “After Amaziah came from striking down the Edomites, he brought the gods of the men of Seir and set them up as his gods and worshiped them, making offerings to them. 15 Therefore the Lord was angry with Amaziah and sent to him a prophet, who said to him, ‘Why have you sought the gods of a people who did not deliver their own people from your hand?'” 2 Chronicles 25:14-15 (ESV)
Combat mediocrity by surrendering fully and completely to the Lordship of Christ. Live with a heightened sensitivity to God’s activity and with a keen awareness of the corrosive consequences of sin. Maintain a vertical orientation to the supremacy of your love relationship with the Lord. Guard your daily intimacy with the One who delivered you from the kingdom of darkness and brought you into the kingdom of light.
Ask the Lord to search your heart (Psalm 139:23). Confess known sin instantly and receive God’s forgiveness completely. Remove idols and take paths that are firm. Make no room for mediocrity.
Chronological Bible Reading Plan: (Day 187: 2 Kings 14; 2 Chronicles 25)
Pursuing God,
Stephen Trammell
Executive Pastor
Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell