“You shall walk in all the way that the LORD your God has commanded you, that you may live”
Deuteronomy 5:33a
Our God desires life for us. Real, whole, full, abundant life.
Some might say that living according to the commands of God, following the example of Jesus, and walking in the sacrificial and submissive ways instructed by the apostles is not really living at all – that we would miss out on too much or be depriving ourselves of real happiness.
But truth is the exact opposite. Those statements are nothing new. Not even remotely. It’s the same lie that led Adam and Eve to fall in the Garden. In our weak human nature, we’re still falling for the same line.
May this truth be impressed upon our hearts: God desires life for us. A life of true freedom without the hindrances and consequences caused by our sin, without its destructive effects that impact not only our own life and soul, but that of those around us.
Sin is dark and evil and it always has an impact. No matter how small it appears. It masquerades as harmless, justifiable, or even good. But it destroys, sometimes so gradually we aren’t even aware. That is its aim. Always. Do not let the enemy tell you otherwise.
Let us pursue light as the children of light we are. Not grumbling over the ways we are called to humble and surrender ourselves. Not giving any satisfaction to desires of the flesh we know are not of God. But throwing aside every hindrance and the sin that clings so closely, fixing our eyes on Jesus who endured the cross for the joy that was set before Him (Hebrews 12:1-2). Jesus, who endured the cross to set us free.
We are running after life. Our determination is to take hold of all the fullness that life can be for us, to not settle for the less that sin deceptively offers. We desire life abundant with fullness of peace and joy, found only in a close relationship with the God who makes our souls come alive, mends our brokenness, and fills all our empty spaces. The God who forgives us in Christ, cleanses us to our very core, and makes all things new.
Life is here, in His commands. Let us take hold of it, determining to walk in the ways of our God and not turn from His path of righteousness, to the right or to the left. The Law does not save us; only Christ does that. But as we walk in grace, forgiven, we pursue the freedom for which we were set free. God does not want us to miss out; that is why He provides guidance in the best way to walk. It is love. It is goodness. It is His beautiful heart of righteousness and wisdom. Let us strengthen our hearts to trust Him here, to follow Him faithfully here. Because it matters greatly.
“Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world” (1 Peter 5:8-9). You are not alone in this fight. We stand firm together as the body of Christ. His Spirit binds us together and holds us fast. May we be strengthened in the knowledge that we are one body, believing together in the truth, faithfulness, wisdom, and power of the God who is with us. Spurring one another on, sharpening each other, and holding each other up in love. That we may live, and live fully in Him.
In Pleasant Places 