But As For Us

“But as for us, the LORD is our God. – 2 Chronicles 13.10

“But as for us” conveys conviction of soul regardless of what everyone else is doing. It demands commitment over convenience, covenant over compliance. As society continues to unravel around us and our sinful natures wage war within us, we decide, by the power of the Holy Spirit within us, to follow and obey the Lord. Instead of succumbing to the pressures of our world and its attempts to shape and form us into its mold, we must hold fast to our commitment to Jesus. We must decide to live in obedience to him, walking with him and following his lead.

Paul reminded the Christians in Rome about this very thing. “Therefore, brothers and sisters, in view of the mercies of God, I urge you to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God; this is your true worship. Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may discern what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God” (Romans 12.1-2, CSB, emphasis added).

Look at what Jesus said. “You are the light of the world. A city situated on a hill cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and puts it under a basket, but rather on a lampstand, and it gives light for all who are in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5.14-16, CSB). He wants us, his people, to stand out. He wants us to reflect his light into the darkness, pointing people to the Father through the good things we do. It’s never about receiving any attention for ourselves. Instead, it’s about people seeing the glory of God through the difference God makes in and through us. 

After Jesus described us as “the light of the world,” he then went on to preach in the greatest sermon ever preached (Matthew 5-7) how different we should be. Many times he said, “You’ve heard it said…, but I tell you…” They knew how they were supposed to live, according to what they’d always heard, but now he was calling them to more. Look at these examples from Jesus.

“You have heard that it was said to our ancestors, Do not murder, and whoever murders will be subject to judgment. But I tell you, everyone who is angry with his brother or sister will be subject to judgment.” – Matthew 5.21-22, CSB (emphasis added)

“You have heard that it was said, Do not commit adultery. But I tell you, everyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart.” – Matthew 5.27-27, CSB (emphasis added)

“You have heard that it was said, An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth. But I tell you, don’t resist an evildoer. On the contrary, if anyone slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also.” – Matthew 5.38-39, CSB (emphasis added)

“You have heard that it was said, Love your neighbor and hate your enemy. But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be children of your Father in heaven. For he causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.” – Matthew 5.43-45, CSB (emphasis added)

We will feel the pressure of doing what everyone else does. We will be tempted to go with the flow. To stand against the rushing current of culture requires a commitment to the words and ways of Jesus. It will be taxing and exhausting. It will be difficult. But it is worth it because Jesus is worth it. 

It all comes back to the statement made by King Abijah, “But as for us, the LORD is our God.” 

Jesus is our King. We worship him because he is worthy. We live our lives by the power of the Holy Spirit to bring him honor, praise, and glory. We spread the “good news of great joy” (Luke 2.10, CSB) to all people, “for God so loved the world” (John 3.16, ESV). We live sacrificial lives so that we might be generous to those in need. We forgive wholly and often. We extend grace. We show mercy. We live in unity. We pray. We love the unloved, never expecting anything in return. We rejoice when persecuted for our faith. We give hope to the hopeless. We go after the wandering and forgotten. We simultaneously live out the truth of God and the love of God, all by the power of God. And even when others question us and prefer us to simply “get in line,” we boldly and graciously respond by saying, “But as for us, the LORD is our God.”