And now, Israel, what does the Lord your God require of you, but to fear the Lord your God, to walk in all His ways and to love Him, to serve the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul, and to keep the commandments of the Lord and His statutes which I command you today for your good?
— Deuteronomy 10:12-13
WHAT DOES GOD REQUIRE of us? This passage makes God’s requirement pretty clear. We are to fear Him (have respect for Him), walk in all His ways, love Him, serve Him, and obey Him.
It sounds simple, but there is a problem. I have failed God in all these areas. Though the desire to obey Him is present, so is the desire to disobey.
ONE DAY SOME MEN ASKED JESUS, “WHAT MUST WE DO TO DO THE WORKS OF GOD?” JESUS ANSWERED, “THIS IS THE WORK OF GOD, THAT YOU BELIEVE IN HIM WHOM HE SENT” (JOHN 6:28-29).
You mean all I have to do is believe in Jesus Christ? That is within my grasp. I can handle that. I may not be able to keep all the commandments, walk in all of His ways, or serve Him with all my heart and soul, but I can believe in Jesus Christ.
The truth is, God hasn’t given up on the ideal requirements, but He recognizes the weakness of my flesh. Through Jesus, God did for me what I could not do. And as I put my faith in Jesus, I find He gives me the power to do the rest.
Father, thank You for the power we have through Jesus Christ. Help us, Lord, by Your Spirit, to become the men and the women You would have us to be.
In Jesus’ Name, Amen.