A CALL TO COMMITMENT. Deuteronomy 30 God allowed Moses to glimpse the future, where he saw Israel turning away from God and being scattered among the nations. For those who read these words hundreds of years later, it would have been both sad and disheartening but also a reminder that hope remains and there is light at the end of the dark tunnel of captivity. Restoration is possible when repentance and forsaking sin are genuine.
It is God’s intention that we respond to His grace with love, gratitude, and genuine appreciation that foster fellowship with Him. The principle behind the “circumcision of the heart” is to love God and love others. This is a sacrificial love that gives rather than relying on emotional or sentimental feelings. A commitment to serve and love God is characteristic of someone whose heart is tied to our Lord. Compassion for others, a willingness to serve, worship, and prayer are evidence of the love of God that has been “shed abroad” in a person’s heart.
This contrasts with a bad temper, selfish interests, harmful words, and deceitful living that characterize someone who is self-centered. A God-centered person will have the evidence of God’s Spirit bearing witness to their spirit. This is far more effective and meaningful than a religious symbol or verse of scripture tattooed on their body.
There were times in the lives of the Israelites when they turned away from God, and because of this, they experienced the consequences of failed growing seasons, captivity by other nations, and loss of all they had hoped for and enjoyed. Yet God assured them that if they returned to Him, He would welcome them back. By following His way, their prosperity would be restored, and they could once again enjoy His blessings. In our failures, shortcomings, and disobedience, God is willing to show mercy to us. "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." Those who stray far from His will and His way can find acceptance when they return to Him. He will give us a new beginning. Walking in God's ways and obeying His commands are within our reach. He will restore to us "the years that the locusts have eaten."
God does not hide Himself to remain secret or to stay away from us. His words are not concealed from us. They are not beyond our reach or our understanding. God Himself is "near unto all that call upon Him out of a pure heart." Obedience to God is reasonable. His demands are expressed in ways that make sense. The laws He gave are good laws and rights for the purpose for which they have been given. Proper conduct of life can be maintained and will prevent confusion and chaos from running rampant in countries, communities, assemblies, families, and personal lives.
Obeying God is simple and never pointless. His commands are straightforward enough that we won't struggle to follow them. Outward obedience differs from doing God's will from the heart. Still, we must decide whom we will serve. Life or death, blessing or curse—these are choices we are given to make.
Not only are God's commands reasonable, but they are also doable. They are not mysterious words requiring some mystical power to understand, nor are they so complicated that we cannot grasp them. They are clear, concise, and easily understood when we apply the principles of righteousness. There is a soundness to what God says that is not accepted by those who seek excuses for their sin.
When the principles of God's word are obeyed, they positively influence many areas of our lives. God presents them clearly and plainly explains the consequences we can expect if we choose to follow His guidance—or if we ignore it. "Blessing and cursing" are simple concepts to understand. Blessings refer to spiritual, and possibly physical, benefits that may come our way. Cursing expresses not only loss but also the impact it will have on others around us.
The contrast between life and death reminds us that one option we have is to grow to maturity, enjoy a good quality of life, and find meaning and purpose in our existence. Death shows that we will be separated from all that is valuable and purposeful. There is a sense of uselessness associated with death that makes the human experience seem hopeless and without value. Spiritual death is separation from God. Physical death is the separation of the body from the soul and spirit. Eternal death is a permanent separation from God, hope, purpose, and the meaning of life, leading to being separated to hell and ultimately the lake of fire.
Good and evil are only contrasted, not connected. Even the spelling of the words reflects this: "God is good; the devil is evil" is a contrast. To love God means I appreciate, value, and willingly follow Him. Following Him gives me a reason for living and assurance at the moment of death. To live for Him now means I have committed to God that I will gladly submit my will to His revealed will and entrust myself and everything about me to Him.
Wise parents understand how their choices affect their children. We cannot avoid facing the consequences of our decisions, whether they are good or bad. Love for the Lord and a sincere desire to please Him will motivate my willingness to obey and cling to Him. Paul said, "For me to live is Christ," and it is clear that he not only lived for Christ but that Christ was his life.
The true meaning of our lives emerges when we see ourselves as God intends for us to be, and we work to fulfill that expectation. In a family or even among a group of God's people, there is a positive influence on others when one or more members deeply love God and are willing to do whatever God asks, even if it costs them personally. The ultimate outcome is a confident person who trusts the Lord, loves Him, serves Him, obeys Him, and follows Him. Then we can trust God to guide those who follow our example, lead them to where He wants, and accomplish the purpose for which He has equipped us.
Warnings have been given about the challenges, blessings, and the good that can come if we obey God’s word. The message is clear: the choice is either a blessing or a curse, and delaying my decision has lasting consequences. I can't afford to wait, because my entire future is ahead—what should I really do? This is an important matter—what will I do and say? Others are watching and waiting, since my choices impact them too. Life and death depend on the decisions I make.
In each decision, God allows me to choose. There is the matter of my will that empowers me to consider the cost. May I never let the noise of all those voices around me pressure me into refusing! Life and death are issues on which I dare not make mistakes. I chose life when, as a sinner, I knew I was lost. Now, I am alive in Christ. The choices I make influence the way I walk, and losing my life to the world carries such a terrible cost.
Behind me is my family, and they are watching what I do. Each of them has made choices different from mine. I believe their expectation is that I continue straight on my path without veering onto another. Yet, although some things differ, all have chosen life. They understand that what they do now will impact those who come after them. It is important to all of us that they remain living in the light. Others know they love the Lord and want their lives to matter for Him.
When I make such choices, I never want to be careless because a lot depends on what I do when it is time to make decisions. As a Christian father, I know they are watching me – my children and grandchildren, who are from another generation. Consistency in life and full-hearted commitment to the truth may seem outdated to them, but they are acceptable for a grandfather’s style. Still, I know I have an influence on these children in their youth, and I never want to cause them to stumble lest they fall for Satan’s wiles.