SUMMARY: Paint job
OVERVIEW: Joash was determined to repair the temple. However, his faith was limited, and he did not remove the false idols or temples.
BIG IDEA: Live with integrity.
KEY VERSE: 2 Kings 12:2–3 (Joash’s limited leadership)
All his life Joash did what was pleasing in the Lord’s sight because Jehoiada the priest instructed him. Yet even so, he did not destroy the pagan shrines, and the people still offered sacrifices and burned incense there.
IF GOD WROTE YOU A LETTER
I am the same yesterday, today, and forever. Whenever you seek me, you will always find me, for I am faithful and trustworthy. I want to say the same about you. Have a sincere faith, not a superficial one. I am more concerned with what’s going on inside your heart than what people see on the outside. Focus on developing your character so that you live with integrity at all times and in all situations.
Being consistent and a person of integrity does not require you to be perfect. Don’t put that kind of burden on yourself. It will exhaust you and likely cause you to be critical of others. Instead, live for me, and when you don’t, be quick to confess it as sin. Don’t hide your sin or pretend it didn’t happen—that’s hypocrisy. Confess your sin and walk with me. That will teach you to receive my grace and encourage you to extend it to others.
NEXT STEP: Evaluate how you act in different environments around other people. Do you consistently live for God, or do you adjust your words and actions based on who you’re with and where you are?
FAITH STORY
BONUS Music Video