God’s Commands

 “Take to heart all the words I have solemnly declared to you this day, so that you may command your children to obey carefully all the words of this law.  They are not just idle words for you—they are your life. By them you will live long in the land you are crossing the Jordan to possess.” Deuteronomy 32: 46-47

This question was asked in my bible study this morning: “Do you ever argue with God?” At first, I pictured in my mind an actual argument like what takes place between two people, but between God and me. I couldn’t imagine having a face-to-face argument with God. But as I studied further, I realized that when I refuse to obey what God says in His word, I am essentially arguing with Him and believing that I know better.

The study provided a visual that instantly resonated with me.

“Suppose you were in a war-torn country and had to cross a field full of land mines. Suppose a person who knew exactly where each mine was buried offered to take you through the mine field. Would you say to him, “I don’t want you to tell me what to do. I have free will! I don’t want you to impose your ways on me.”

“I don’t know about you, but I would stay as close to that person as I could. I certainly would not wander off. His directions to me would preserve my life. He would say, “Don’t go that way, because that way may kill you. Go this way, and you will live.”

That is the purpose of God’s commands. He wants you to receive life and have it abundantly. When the Lord gives you a command, He is trying to protect and preserve the best He has for you. He doesn’t want you to forfeit His best for you. (Experience God – Blackaby)

Years ago, when the Berlin Wall was still standing, I had the opportunity to visit both sides of Berlin. The west side was free from communism and able to live life in a much different lifestyle than those living on the east side.

There was an area between the wall and the entrance to East Berlin that was called “no man’s land.” This area was filled with land mines ready to stop anyone who tried to escape. Horrible spike-filled devices were hidden in the water, meant to catch any who would try to swim for their freedom.

The enemy sets land mines and spikes all around our lives, trying to prevent us from living in the freedom that Christ offers. How many times do we fall for his tactics because we think we know better? How many times do we think our way (our will) is best? But God, in His never-ending love, continues to reveal the path that will bring us the life that He has in store for us if we will just listen and obey.

When God gives a commandment, He is not restricting us; He is freeing us. His Word is life!