But he (Jesus) said, “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and keep it!” - Luke 11:28
At two years old, my oldest daughter was delightfully strong-willed and completely determined to test every boundary she was given. Being told not to touch a floor plant, for example, she would approach that plant with a single outstretched arm, look me straight in the eye, and grab the forbidden leaf. When her actions were met with consequences—and they always were—she repeated the defiance with the same result—again and again. This occurred too many times for her weary mom to remember. But, weary or not, boundaries were consistently enforced, and eventually this sweet little girl learned that living within them made life far more enjoyable.
Out of deep love for their children, parents set rules. They want their kids to listen when they’re told not to touch that hot stove or to stop short of running into oncoming traffic. No one loves their children more than God loves us. The Bible clearly outlines His boundaries for us to live within—not so our lives will be miserable and restricted, but because abiding in them will protect us and help us thrive. Following the ways of the world will lead to our downfall and destruction, but following God’s ways brings life. He tells us plainly in Deuteronomy 30:19 that we are given the choice between life and death—let’s choose life!
ADDITIONAL THOUGHTS
Let’s welcome God’s commands and see them as they were intended—to help and protect us in every way. And let’s ask for God’s help in living within those boundaries for our benefit and well being.