A Call to Respect, Love, and Service

12 “And now, Israel, what does the Lord your God require of you? He requires only that you fear the Lord your God, and live in a way that pleases him, and love him and serve him with all your heart and soul. 13 And you must always obey the Lord’s commands and decrees that I am giving you today for your own good. (Deut. 10:12-13)

My YouVersion reading today sparked my attention to share with you the simplicity of our call as believers. Often we ask, "What does God expect from me?" Here Moses gives a summary that is simple in form and easy to remember. He stressed that the law was not merely an outward ritual of sacrifice and festivals; but a heart attitude and a lifestyle of respect, love, and service for God.

Here are the essentials: (1) Fear God; (2) Live in a way that pleases him; (3) Love him; (4) Serve him with all your heart and soul; and (5) Obey his commands.

Too often we complicate faith with man-made rules, regulations, and requirements. We begin to attach the world's definition of "successful faith" to God's plan. Are you frustrated and burned out from trying hard to please God? Do you feel guilty because you cannot seem to keep up with the "religious" requirements that others deem necessary for you to be in right standing with God?

In Deuteronomy 11, God directed this call to the essentials most forcefully at the older Israelites who had witnessed first-hand His mighty acts along the way from Egypt to Canaan. Even the Children were held accountable. Failure to love, obey, and serve God would bring God's curse on both the people and their land. (Deut. 11:16-17)

Are you concentrating on His real requirements? Real peace is found "only" by the way of... Respect, Follow, Love, Serve, and Obey.