Some social scientists today say we humans are the result of a mindless, aimless biological process. But the Bible teaches that God created us in his own likeness—for a purpose. Yet we can never operate as God intended unless we follow the guidelines He gave us to live by. Just as we must follow the instructions of an automobile maker in order to have a satisfactory driving experience, so we must follow God’s guidelines to have a satisfactory life experience. We learn from 2 Chronicles 29 that King Hezekiah, unlike the king that preceded him, knew the value of respecting and obeying God in order for him to be successful. He knew that the Temple symbolized the presence of God in their midst. So after the previous king neglected and sold off parts of the Temple, Hezekiah restored it, rededicated it, and led the people in worship—all to recognize God’s presence in their midst. It is a travesty that many people today do not acknowledge, reverence, and live by the values God has given us for our own good. Yet our life could be peaceful, productive, and satisfying if we worshiped and obeyed the God who created us.
Dr. Melvin E. Banks, Sr.
Dr. Melvin E. Banks, Sr. is the founder and chairman of UMI (Urban Ministries, Inc.). Under his direction, UMI has grown to be a leading publisher of Christian education resources for churches in the African American community. Read More
