Assembly Required

Ever wonder what the Lord really wants of you? I do. Some days I feel like a great Christian, and other days I feel like a complete mess-up. It can be difficult to navigate through the challenges (or mundanes) of every day with a clear head. We often wonder what we're doing and where we're going. We wonder how to make this life we're living feel more complete. Do our desires match up with the Will of God? Do our lives prove that we are His?

In Deuteronomy 12, verses 12-13, we are given five clear instructions as God's children. And don't be that stubborn fellow who sets aside the instruction manual and attempts to assemble on his own. Oh, you know who you are! Obedience to God's instruction does require assembly on our part, and the finished product is a masterpiece! But we need to follow the instruction of the Master Craftsman:

"...what does the Lord your God ask of you but to fear the Lord your God, to walk in obedience to him, to love him, to serve the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul, and to observe the Lord’s commands and decrees that I am giving you today for your own good?"

1. Fear the Lord

2. Walk in Obedience to Him

3. Love Him

4. Serve Him

5. Observe His Commands

There are verses throughout the Bible that speak about each of these topics individually. For example: 

#1. "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom." - Proverbs 9:10. 

#2. "And this is love; that we walk in obedience to His commands." - 2 John 1:6.

#3. "But whoever loves God is known by God." - 1 Corinthians 8:3. 

#4. "My Father will honor the one who serves me." - John 12:26b. 

#5. "In fact, this is love for God: to keep His commands."

While these instructions may not clear up the bigger questions of 'what am I doing, and where am I going', they certainly offer direction and God's desire for each of us. He desires growth in our wisdom of life and of Him. God is love, and He wants to see love come to life in us. He desires to be known by us. He wants to honor us when we honor Him by serving Him. Those are all good starting points to fulfillment and better understanding of what God's really seeking from us. 

Questions to Ponder:

1. Which of the 5 instructions comes most easily to you?

2. Which do you find most challenging?

3. How will you consciously obey this week?