Doing Things God’s Way

1 Chronicles 15:12

And said unto them, Ye are the chief of the fathers of the Levites: sanctify yourselves, both ye and your brethren, that ye may bring up the ark of the LORD God of Israel unto the place that I have prepared for it.

There is God’s way, and there are always many other ways, but there is only one way that is the right way, and that is God’s way. David found out that it did not matter how sincere he was about bringing the ark of the covenant to his city because he didn't do it God’s way; someone lost their life. The second time David attempted to bring the ark to his city, he did it God’s way, and he discovered that doing things God’s way brought blessings. Let me share several things from this incident in David’s life that shows us how God expects us to do things.

First, God expects us to sanctify ourselves. To sanctify yourself is to set yourself apart. In other words, make your life sacred for God. It is not that you don't do anything else; it is that you don't do anything that would harm you from being for God what He wants you to be. Nobody has served the Lord successfully who did not set their life apart for God. There will be things you can do that are not bad, but they will hinder your ability to serve the Lord; therefore, you must not do it because you are sanctified for God.

Second, God expects preparation. You will never be what you are supposed to be without preparation. Every believer ought to prepare themselves to serve the Lord by reading His Word and praying daily. You cannot be prepared to serve the Lord in the right way when you don't read the very Book that tells you how to serve Him. Preparation of your heart by walking with God is as critical as preparing the task itself to serve the Lord. You will never excel beyond your preparation. It does not matter if you are organized or not, you must get organized through preparation so you can be for God what He wants you to be.

Third, God expects order. Verse 13 talks about due order. There must be order about how you do things. You cannot live by the seat of your pants and expect God to work mightily through your life and ministry. God works through order much more than He works through chaos. Certainly, God is powerful, but He chooses to work through order. You must get a schedule and routine in your life for God to work the best through you. Have a way of doing things so that He can work through you.

Fourth, God expects you to do it His way. There is your way and there is God’s way, but only God’s way is the right way. It does not matter if God’s way doesn’t seem to be relevant today, you must always do things God’s way for it to be blessed. God’s way doesn't have to make sense, and there may seem to be an easier way to get God’s agenda accomplished, but He will only bless what you do for Him if you do it His way.

Fifth, God expects you to excel in what you do. Verse 21 points out that the singers were appointed to excel. God’s standard is to excel. God is not a mediocre God; therefore, we should always strive to excel in all we do. God wants to show His power, and it is never given to do the status quo, but to do the miraculous. You must attempt great things and God will do great things. Never strive just to get by, but strive to excel so God can show His power and strength through you as you serve Him.