“So be careful to do what the Lord your God has commanded you; do not turn aside to the right or to the left. Walk in obedience to all that the Lord your God has commanded you, so that you may live and prosper and prolong your days in the land that you will possess.”
Deuteronomy 5:32-33 NIV
I knew what the rules were. No TV on weekdays until homework was done. But here’s the thing, mom and dad wouldn’t get home till after work. I would watch TV until I heard the garage door going up. I would jump up and turn it off, (because there wasn’t a remote back then) and quickly open my books to study.
I know that I am not the only one who thought they could hide from their parents how they broke the rules. Fortunately, I had parents who chose to fight the important battles which didn’t include after school TV watching for about an hour.
The heart of the issue is obedience. For us humans, we have always struggled with being told what to do. Moses went up on the mountain and brought back very clear and specific rules from God. Rules that were for the good of the Israelites. Rules that pointed to their humanity…their fragility…their need of a savior.
The Lord calls us to obedience because He knows it’s for our good. Why do I not obey? For a number of reasons…including fear…pain…jealousy…and lack of trust in God. Does He really know what’s for my good? In the midst of my pain, can I trust that God knows what’s best?
May I…may we…continue to grow in our trust of God. May our obedience come from love. May we be changed…may the world be changed through the love that the Lord commands.
Dear Father, forgive us our many sins. Forgive us our arrogance that we know best. May we trust you that following your direction, although hard, is for our good and the good of all. Amen.
Mandy
Sixty-six books in a year 