The Faith That Shows When One Stands Alone

A king came to the throne at the age of seven and accomplished a great work in repairing the temple. Yet once the high priest who had protected him died, he was swayed by the officials and began to serve idols, going so far as to stone to death the prophet whom God had sent.

Though he repaired the temple, he never removed the high places, which shows that his obedience stopped halfway. His faith had rested on the protection and oversight of the high priest; when the moment came to stand on his own, he relied on the power of the world more than on God. In the end he handed the treasures of the temple over to his enemies, fell ill, and met a wretched death when his own servants rose against him.

A faith that begins by leaning on someone else’s faith and devotion is something to be thankful for, but unless it is made one’s own, it can give way. It is worth asking whether one is ready to hold fast to God and stand firm even when the people and circumstances that once upheld that faith are gone. Finishing well does not come from a single resolve but from obedience built up day after day.