Read Jeremiah 22.
This is a series of messages addressed to the next generation in the royal family. Each of them violated their promise to obey the LORD and rule as a godly leader for the nation. But their character proved to be corrupt. Instead of serving the people, they became oppressors and took unjust gain from the people. As a result, they and the kingdom of Judah paid an awful price.
God's leadership requirements of government include justice and insuring the rights of the poor and needy (vv.15-16). And, then God asked the question that reveals one's spiritual condition: "Is not this to know me?" In other words, if you truly have a personal relationship with the living God, your behavior will show it.
Those who say the Christian life is not one of do's and don'ts are simply incorrect. True, we are saved by grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8-9). However, in the Old and New Testaments God holds those who claim to know Him to high standards of behavior.
"He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?" (Micah 6:8)
"If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person's religion is worthless. Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to visit the orphans and widows in their affliction and to keep oneself unstained from the world." (James 1:26-27)
As the chorus from a previous generation sang:
"If you are saved and you know it, then your life will surely show it."
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