1 Kings‬ ‭9‬:‭3‬, ‭6‬-‭7‬ ‭NIV‬‬ “The Lord said to him: ‘I have heard the prayer and plea you have made before me; I have consecrated this temple, which you have built, by putting my Name there forever. My eyes and my heart will always be there. But if you or your descendants turn away from me and do not observe the commands and decrees I have given you and go off to serve other gods and worship them, then I will cut off Israel from the land I have given them and will reject this temple I have consecrated for my Name. Israel will then become a byword and an object of ridicule among all peoples.’”

Men want God’s blessing, but too often we reject His authority. God told Israel His Name would be on the temple forever—yet He also warned that if they turned away, He would reject both temple and people. Which was it? Forever or rejection?

History answers. The temple is gone. Israel remains. And God’s promise is fulfilled in Jesus Christ—the true temple, the Savior who brings a New Covenant.

But here’s the problem: many men today live just like Israel did. They prayed a prayer once. They were baptized years ago. They believe God will bless them regardless of how they live now. But they’ve walked away from their purpose. They don’t pursue Christ. They don’t build His kingdom.

The greatest sin of men—then and now—is failing to love God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength, and failing to love others enough to call them into obedience to Christ. Instead, we demand that God pardon us, even when we refuse to follow Him.

Yes, God is love. He proved it by sending Jesus. But He also proved His wrath when He poured it out on His own Son at the cross—for the sins of all who repent. Not for those who shrug Him off.

This isn’t salvation by works. This is salvation by God’s work—received by men who humble themselves, trust Him fully, and walk in obedience. Forgiveness is free, but it’s not cheap. The blood of Jesus is not a permission slip to live as we please.

Men of God—our purpose is clear. Love Him. Obey Him. Build His kingdom. Anything less is rebellion. The obedient can expect reward. The disobedient can expect wrath. Which side of God’s promise are you standing on today?