ESTEEMED BY GOD
To be esteemed by God is a rarity and understandably difficult. What does it take to be esteemed by God?
“This is the one I esteem: he who is humble and contrite in spirit, and trembles at my word” Isaiah 66:2
How does this look like in real life?
Prioritizing God: As we live in this world where different philosophies rule, it is easy to include the Bible and God’s teachings as one the many different philosophies we incorporate into our lives. And most Christians end up with a mish-mash of the Bible and current social trends to guide their lives. They forget that the word of God is as relevant today as it was in the ancient times and that it is a treasure trove for those inclined to search his word to seek light for their lives.
Seeking His will: How do we act when faced with decisions in our day-to-day lives? Who do we go to for advice? The one God esteems looks at life as a journey directed by God. And so, fulfilment arrives when His will is accomplished. David’s example of being on his knees and seeking God’s will at every point of his life despite being the king is inspirational.
Being grateful: Moses’ instructions to his people never to forget what God has done is a reflection of gratitude in action. When the Lord your God brings you into the land he swore to your fathers, to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, to give you—a land with large, flourishing cities you did not build, houses filled with all kinds of good things you did not provide, wells you did not dig, and vineyards and olive groves you did not plant—then when you eat and are satisfied, be careful that you do not forget the Lord, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery. (Deuteronomy 6:10-12)
Valuing God: We have value systems wherein we attach value to people, things, experiences and possessions. Loving the Lord with all your heart, with all your soul and with all your strength is only possible when we value God above all else. The Levites were not allotted any land by Moses because the Lord Himself were to be their possession. Unless a Levite actually valued God more than anything else, this would be impossible to accept. But what was seen as a command for the Levites was to be in effect a dictum for life wherein you truly don’t own anything of this temporary life and live life valuing God above all else.
To one who is contrite and trembles at His word, the promise of safety and abundance is real. Hear, Israel, and be careful to obey so that it may go well with you and that you may increase greatly in a land flowing with milk and honey, just as the Lord, the God of your ancestors, promised you. (Deuteronomy 6:3)
