What is our Mandate?

After Zadok the priest anointed King Solomon, Solomon went to Gibeon to offer burnt offerings. The LORD appeared to Solomon in a dream by night, and God said, "Ask! What shall I give you?" We read about this incident in 1 Kings 3:3-14. For a king to be successful, he needs many things; he has to subdue his foes; he has to have loyal subjects; he has to have silver and gold; he has to have great harvests, and of course, the King has to have good health and long life. But Solomon did not ask God for any of these. Primarily a King's mandate is to rule his subjects wisely. Solomon also understood that he was young and needed help. So, he asked God for an understanding heart to judge God's people (3:9). Solomon had understood his mandate, and that gladdened the heart of God! So, God not only gave Solomon what he asked for but also gave what he had not asked: both riches and honor.

That brings us to our question, what is our mandate? 2 Corinthians 5:20 says, "Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ…" An ambassador is one who represents his country in another country. We are called to represent the Kingdom of Heaven on this earth as long as we live! We are told that we are the fifth Gospel and the only Gospel many would ever read! Our mandate is living a life that reflects Christ, proclaiming Him never only with our words; but always through our lives!

If that is our mandate, what should we ask God?

We have to ask God for a fruit-bearing life! Galatians 5:22-25 says, "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such, there is no law. And those who are Christ's have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit." There are many lists like this in the Bible! I have only given a sample for you to get the idea. For not indulging the desires of the flesh, we need power from God, and precisely that is what we have to ask God.

My friend, our mandate for our life on earth is to live a Godly life honoring God so that the people around us can find God in us! During this season of Lent, let us focus on living for God, then God will add His blessings abundantly!

Categories: Weekly DevotionalsAuthor: Hephzibah StephenDate: 5th March 2019 Share: newsletterDisplay date: 6th March 2019

---