“Love the Lord your God, obey Him and remain faithful to Him. For He is your life, and He will give you many years in the land He swore to give to your fathers, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.”
(Deuteronomy 30:20)
Our life, longevity, and well-being depend on one thing: obedience to God. This is the cost of living in the presence of Jesus. We can’t forget that our relationship with God is rooted in love and a commitment to His will. When we choose not to obey Him, we risk losing what matters most in life.
That was also the cost of living in the Promised Land: obedience to the Lord. Even if the people thought the law was too strict, or that there were too many rules or that they were too hard to follow, God’s commands were given to protect them and keep them on the right path.
In the same way, in our lives today, God's commandments are good. They guide us and are meant for our benefit. They allow us to live in God’s presence and in peace with one another. The blessed life God wants to give us is directly connected to our obedience—obedience that comes from love.
The blessings of obedience are great:
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Pray and ask God for forgiveness if you’ve been disobedient to His Word.
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Reflect on this truth: “To obey is better than sacrifice” (1 Samuel 15:22).
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Obedience is a personal choice. Make sure you’re not following bad examples or being influenced by those who disobey.
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God never wants what’s bad for you. On the contrary, obedience to His ways will always be what’s best for you.
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“We must obey God rather than human beings!” (Acts 5:29). Keep your priorities clear.
A Prayer:
Lord God, help me to obey You in everything—no matter the cost. Forgive me if I’ve been selective, choosing only certain areas of my life to obey You in. I want to be honest and fully faithful to Your Word. Help me hold on to You, because my whole life depends on You. I pray and give You thanks in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen!