2 Chronicles 25:2 - Compliance Or Commitment?

2Ch.25:2; Compliance Or Commitment?

2 Chr 25:2 (KJV)  And he did that which was right in the sight 
of the LORD, but not with a perfect heart. 

2 Chr 25:2 (NKJV)  And he did what was right in the sight of the 
LORD, but not with a loyal heart. 

2 Chr 25:2 (NLT)  Amaziah did what was pleasing in the Lord's 
sight, but not wholeheartedly. 

The general character of Amaziah: He did that which was right in 
the eyes of the Lord, worshipped the true God, kept the temple 
service a going, and countenanced religion in his kingdom; but he did 
not do it with a perfect heart (v. 2), that is, he was not a man of 
serious piety or devotion himself, nor had he any zeal for the exercises 
of religion. He was no enemy to it, but a cool and indifferent 
friend. Such is the character of too many in this Laodicean age: they do 
that which is good, but not with the heart, not with a perfect heart. 
(Matthew Henry's Commentary) 

Amaziah was no enemy to religion, but cool and indifferent 
friend. Many do what is good, but not with a perfect heart.... They are 
like Amaziah; they say, But what shall we do for the hundred talents? 
What shall we do if by keeping the sabbath holy we lose so many good 
customers? What shall we do without this gain? What shall we do if we lose 
the friendship of the world? Many endeavour to quiet their 
consciences by the pretence that forbidden practices are necessary. The 
answer is, as here, The Lord is able to give thee much more than this. 
He makes up, even in this world, for all that is given up for his 
sake. [Matthew Henry Commentary] 

The Joash cycle continues with the story of his son and 
grandson. Each imitates the pattern Joash set: Early piety and success is 
followed by apostasy and disaster. Amaziah does what is right in God's 
eyes, but not out of personal commitment.... God does not want believers 
who go through the motions of living a Christian life. It is clear 
from these two chapters that mere obedience, although necessary, is 
not sufficient evidence of true commitment. It is especially 
revealing that neither Amaziah nor Uzziah is portrayed as having a great 
interest in the temple. They were willing for a time to obey God, but 
they had no passion for worship! True love for God expresses itself 
in both worship and obedience. [Victor Bible Reader's Companion] 

Amaziah did what was right on the outside, but inside he often 
resented what he had to do. His obedience was at best halfhearted. When 
the prophet promised God's deliverance, Amaziah first complained 
about the money that had been lost (2 Chron. 25:9). And he valued 
military success more than God's will. We must search our own hearts and 
root out any resistance to obeying God. Grudging compliance is not 
true obedience. [Life Application SB] 

A brief, early flare of faith is no substitute for lifelong 
commitment. Our only protection from potential disaster is consistent, daily 
commitment to the LORD. [The 365-Day Devotional Commentary] 

Our God requires the utmost from His people. He doesn't expect 
it from our flesh, which cannot accomplish anything of eternal good 
at all. He has given us His Spirit to empower us, as we choose to 
do His will. But we must all beware of becoming like Amaziah, who 
did right in the eyes of the Lord, but without his heart in it.  
Right actions like Amaziah's may have been learned from youth, from 
parents or teachers. Whatever the source, he acted correctly before the 
Lord for a number of years. But then in II Chronicles 25:14 we read 
that after he had conquered the Edomites, he brought their idols home 
and worshiped them! Are we following God just because someone told 
us to? Or because that is how we were raised? God requires personal 
action on our part to become a part of His family. Our actions must be 
founded on our own beliefs. Check and see if your life is grounded on 
your faith. Otherwise, in time of test, you may change as Amaziah 
did. [In His Time; Walk With Wisdom] 

SUBSCRIBER INPUT

Wow, what a great Biblical truth this is. How many Christians 
and non-christians alike go through life with no passion? Whether 
you are relating this verse to home, work, or church, how important 
it is to do the right things because we have a burning desire to, 
not just because we are supposed to. Christians should first find 
out what their passion is and get right in the middle of it. So many 
times we serve God through mediocrity simply because we either don't 
have the right motivations or we don't really have a calling for that 
area of service. Maybe one of the most overlooked principles in our 
churches today. Thanks for the inspiration.  
David Russell [drussell@planetc.com]

God offers us complete joy. If we only serve Him because we 
think it is the right thing to do, our joy will not be complete. Love 
the Lord with all your heart, mind, soul, and strength and He will 
make your joy complete. Craig Timmons [ctimmons@televar.com]