God’s good guidance
“Now it shall come to pass, if you diligently obey the voice of the Lord your God, to observe carefully all His commandments which I command you today, that the Lord your God will set you high above all nations of the earth. And all these blessings shall come upon you and overtake you, because you obey the voice of the Lord your God: (...) Blessed shall be the fruit of your body, the produce of your ground and the increase of your herds, the increase of your cattle and the offspring of your flocks.” (Deuteronomy 28:1-2 & v. 4)
In chapter 28 of Deuteronomy, we read about the blessings God is promising to the people of Israel if they obey his instruction (v.1-14), and the curses that will follow should they choose to disobey (v. 15-68). Rather than imagining a stern teacher pouring down criticism and smothering his students with bans and prohibitions, consider an alternative picture. Imagine the builder of a house, who walks us through the different rooms of the house, pointing out their features and instructing us how best to make use of everything he has made, so that we may enjoy its safe shelter for many years to come. This same builder also points out to us what will happen if we don’t use his building according to the way it was made. The ‘house’ can be taken to understand the world around us, the church, our bodies - anything the Lord has given us to steward.
God, the one who established the universe is the builder of the world we live in. In his word he peels back the curtain to reveal the laws that govern the world, showing us how to thrive and prosper, how to live wisely and to reap good rewards from our time on this earth. He also shows the consequences for misusing those same governing laws. The secret of receiving his blessings is shown time and time again in the Bible: Obedience to God’s instruction.
The governing laws extend to all areas of our lives, including our gifts, talents, and chosen vocation. Even when it appears easier or more profitable to disobey God’s instruction, however small, it will ultimately give a negative result in our lives. Compromising on His standards might get us out of trouble in the present, but it will prove to be a bad investment in the long run. In the same way, however difficult it is in the moment of choice, following God’s instruction is a worthwhile investment that will produce good effects in our own lives, and in our surroundings. It’s a hard life lesson, but in a world that is growing more and more morally confused, it is a good life principle to hold on to.
Reflect
How can you obey God’s instructions in a world where rebellion to God and His word is ever present?
Let’s pray!
Lord, provide me with grace so that I may obey You with the same heart and spirit that your son Jesus Christ obeyed you.
