“You’re Half Right” (2 Chronicles 25:2)

I was a fourth-year medical student, rotating on my hematology-oncology elective. My preceptor reviewed the patient’s history and laboratory data with a rare blood disorder. 

“We have several treatment options, which one should we choose?”

I confidently rattled off the options and presented my reasons for selecting what I surmised was the optimal treatment. Listening intently, he nodded and with a measured response stated, “You’re half right, but not for the reasons you think!”

He explained the therapeutic approach and challenged me to review the disease and explain my error. Chagrined, I researched the topic that evening and realized I had an incomplete understanding of the biochemical pathways. I shook my head and resolved to be more diligent with my studies. 

And he did what was right in the eyes of the Lord, yet not with a whole heart.

2 Chronicles 25:2 (ESV)

Amaziah was the King of Judah. He started strong and committed to serving God, avenging the villains who murdered his father, King Joash. God blessed him and led him to victory over the Edomites, but at a great cost. Amaziah was seduced into worshipping the gods of the Edomites, encouraging the rest of Judah to follow his blasphemous example. God punished Amaziah and eventually killed him by the King of Israel.

I have been half right or have not approached a task with a whole heart. The results are usually mixed, and, like my encounter in medical school, embarrassment may be the worst outcome.  However, I don’t ever want to be half right with God. God desires me to serve and love Him freely with a whole heart, not from compulsion but from gratitude for what He has done for me. When I fail, it is because I have an incomplete understanding of who God is, a faith that is weak and unwilling to surrender my will to God. 

Half right and not with a whole heart is a sure recipe for failure with God. 

Love and trust the Lord; seek His will in your life.