The Rise and Fall of Asa: 5 – A Wholehearted Life for the Giver

There is a difference between a skilled person using their skills well, being known for that skill but with a character that lacks and a person who may not have outstanding skills but commits their life to having an outstanding character.

The end of the life of Asa is tragic. Tragic because of the character he displayed for the vast majority of his life. This was an outstanding character, one that impacted his country for good because it was not in pursuit of power, fame or riches. It was not desperate for acclaim or to boast in a lofty position. It was not even fussed about security and maintaining a quiet life in the status quo.

The life and character of Asa leaves a challenge for any serious observer as to how they will spend life. Half-hearted meandering between different interests leads to nowhere of any substance or worth. Wholehearted devotion to the wrong cause in as much as it can be commended for commitment, would still be a life wasted.

There is a reason we are given life. Recognising it is a gift should lead us on a wholehearted quest to seek the Giver. When we find the Giver and understand how He wants us to make the most of this life that devotion should lead us to make radical decisions. Even in the face of overwhelming opposition, that connection with the Giver should lead us to trust Him. That connection should lead us to utilise all positive outcomes to reinforce our commitment to the Giver and learn to be givers ourselves leading others to the Giver as well as being givers themselves.

Asa leaves a strong legacy of a life committed to God. It is a precursor to a king who would spend His entire life committed to inviting people to a righteous rule founded on the Giver. It’s an indicator of the life that is available to us as we pursue something wholehearted rather than just a life given to using a skill well but with a lacking character.

Asa’s life is a good one to consider again as one that pursues the Giver wholeheartedly.

(Photo: Unsplash)

For His Name’s Sake

Shalom

C. L. J. Dryden