In my teenage years and even in my early 20’s, I thought that I had life figured out. I thought if I could just do what made me happy, life would be smooth sailing. The problem with that was, I did not have life figured out. In fact, I would argue that no one in this world has life figured out. I would go as far to say that if everyone just did what made them happy like I did, the world would be in mass chaos.
We have a period in our history where this is exactly what happened. In the Bible, in Judges chapters 17-21, we see a period of mass chaos in the world. In these chapters we read about a gruesome history of murder, rape, worshipping false gods, and a disregard to God’s law. What’s interesting is that this section is bracketed by a phrase that tells us exactly why the world was so chaotic. This phrase is found in Judges 17:6 and Judges 21:25. It says, “In those days there was no king in Israel; everyone did what was right in his own eyes.”
These were God’s chosen people, and they had rejected God as king. They didn’t want to follow God any more, but they wanted to “do what was right in their own eyes.” We can see that this mindset is exactly what led them toward this period of chaos. They decided to be the king of their own life rather than letting God be the king.
A history of murder, rape, false gods, and disregard to God’s law sounds familiar doesn’t it? This is much of what our world today looks like. I would be willing to say that our reason is the same as their reason. Because we choose to do “what is right in our own eyes” rather than letting God be the king and doing what He says is right.
We need to learn from this piece of history. They failed in life because they failed to let God be the king of their life. God created this world. He’s the only one who can see the big picture of life. He sees the beginning and the end. He’s the only one who really does have life figured out. Imagine if the entire world followed God, the one being who has life figured out. It would be a world of peace, love, and kindness. But instead, people choose to “do what is right in their own eyes,” and we have a world full of chaos and hatred.
The problem is, this is the same mindset engrained into our culture today. People say things like, “do what makes you happy” or “live life to the fullest.” While these aren’t always bad things to do, we sometimes forget to think about what makes God happy. We all have a purpose in our lives, and that purpose to be with God. But we have to choose that path. We have to choose to let God be the king instead of letting ourselves be the king. Even though we live in a self satisfying culture, we should strive to live in a God satisfying culture. Doing what makes us happy is not as important as doing what makes God happy.
I want to encourage you to get away from the mindset of “doing what is right in your own eyes” and try to do what is right in God’s eyes instead. God wants us to choose to love him, love each other, and let him be our king. I want you to ask yourself, who is the king of your life? You? or God?
Remember, God sees all and knows all. He knows what’s best. He sees your future. So trust in Him to be your king.
I love you, and God loves you.
-KB
Creating Ballance 