Deuteronomy 4:39-40 "Know therefore this day, and consider it in thine heart, that the LORD he is God in heaven above, and upon the earth beneath: there is none else. (40) Thou shalt keep therefore his statutes, and his commandments, which I command thee this day, that it may go well with thee, and with thy children after thee, and that thou mayest prolong thy days upon the earth, which the LORD thy God giveth thee, for ever."
Moses had just reminded the people of the law and commandments given to them by
the Lord. He recounted that he would not be entering the land of Canaan. But he
took this time to encourage them in the service unto the Lord. His words were
basically, "Take the commandments and use them as guidelines for your
daily walk with the Lord."
Why is it important for us to have guidelines by which to live? The truth
of the matter is that everyone lives by a set of rules. Some may think they
make their own rules as they go along in life. But the truth of the matter is
that we all need guidelines. Children need, and want, guidelines by which
to live. They may try to rebel against them, but guidelines give a sense of
love and security.
God gave the guidelines by which His people would do well when they followed
them. Those guidelines, the law, were not given in order for someone to
have eternal life. God's law, the Bible, is not a roadmap to heaven; rather, it
is an "instruction book" to have a better life here on earth. The
blood of Jesus is our only means of entrance into the eternal heaven. But
God gave His written Word to the child of God in order for God's children to
experience life to its fullest with complete peace and joy.
Is it well with you in your daily walk? If not, have you attempted to set your
own guidelines? Have you tried to live by your own set of rules? Maybe it's
time to seek the ways of the Lord God Almighty.