Two-minute read.
God’s word protects us from ourselves. We think of enemies as those outside of us that would do us harm. But, in truth, the decisions we make and actions we take often cause us more pain than anyone else. By following the Lord’s commands, we’ll find, He truly does have our best interest at heart.
“Because I told you so,” said my mother more times than I can remember. As a child, when she gave me directions, I often replied with one word, “Why?” Mom’s five-word response didn’t satisfy my curiosity, so I would do what she told me not to do, and end up regretting it.
Like the time mom told me not to let any pilots in my room when I became a flight attendant. If I had followed that advice, I would have saved myself a lot of heartache. But I did learn lessons I haven’t forgotten and didn’t repeat the mistake. And I wish I had listened to my mother.
Like I wish I had listened to God about His direction for relationships. Eventually, I did wise up and begin following the Lord and my mother’s advice, but only after I caused myself harm, leaving scars from the battles I fought because I didn’t listen.
Save yourself heartache and follow the Lord’s commands. You will quickly learn that He’s helping you, not hurting you. By applying God’s principles to your life, you will become more like Jesus, living abundantly in His love, and not suffering the self-inflicted wounds of poor decisions.
God will lengthen your days, adding not only years to your life, but also peace to it. Trust in Him, remember His commands, and enjoy life to the fullest in Christ.
Journal Questions:
What parental advice do you wish you had followed?
Do you tend to follow rules or break them?
What commandment of God’s do you have the hardest time obeying?
Prayer:
Lord, thank You for giving us directions for life. Please help us write them on our hearts, not forgetting them, adding peace and years to our lives. Let us live in Your love, basking in Your blessings as we follow You.
IJNIP. Amen
