Wholehearted. Pt 6. Wholehearted for the Long Haul
Mark walks us through 2 Chronicles 7 - The Dedication of the Temple - and emphasises that wholehearted living is for the long haul. For the Israelites the temple acts as a space to celebrate and maintain a relationship between God and imperfect but repentant people - not one that starts strong and drifts away. Mark warns against 'quiet quitting' in our relationship with God and reminds us that God promises to meet us when we turn to Him. God continually invites us to come to Him.
Life Group Questions
Wholehearted: Excerpts from Chronicles. Part 6.
Read 2 Chronicles 7
What do you notice? What stands out to you? What observations or questions does this passage raise?
Discuss:
Solomon spends 13 years after the dedication of the temple building his own palace, and at the end of this long time focussed on other things, God speaks to Solomon about His own faithfulness to answer prayer, the need for repentance and the consequences of turning away from Him.
- What might I need to adjust in order to see myself the way God sees me?
- What helps me stay wholehearted in following God over the long haul?
- What in my current rhythms or habits feels unsustainable?
- What changes could make my life and faith more sustainable?
- What distractions most easily pull me away from wholehearted devotion to God?
- How can I guard my life against the pressure and pull of busyness?
- What would it look like to build a regular rhythm of reflection and pause with God?
- Who are the people I choose to be open and vulnerable with?
- Who encourages and challenges me to love others and follow Jesus well?
- How can I grow in being open to others speaking truth into my life?
- When was the last time I genuinely came to God in repentance?
- What does repentance look like for me in practice today?
Pray: that we would each choose habits and disciplines to allow us to remain close to God, growing in faith and obedience, and able to live lives that demonstrate the presence of God in regular-life ways.