ODJ: what God requires

October 27, 2015 

READ: Deuteronomy 10:12-17 

[God] 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 (v.12).

Oswald Chambers once said, “It is easier to serve or work for God without a vision and without a call, because then you are not bothered by what He requires. Common sense, covered with a layer of Christian emotion, becomes your guide.” So after we receive Jesus as our Saviour, what is it that God requires of us? What should we be doing?

Moses provides the framework to help us in this endeavour. In Deuteronomy 10:12-13 he spelt out the Lord’s requirement of His redeemed people. It contains five key words: fear, live, love, serve and obey.

We’re reminded not to presume upon grace, but to “fear the LORD” who is our God. This practice can help us “live in a way that pleases Him”—to intentionally conduct every aspect of our lives—from the ordinary to the extraordinary, in public as well as in private—in ways that bring a smile to His face (v.12). That will include choosing to please Him, instead of ourselves or even our loved ones, because we love Him. God desires that we be totally committed to serve and obey Him. Doing so honours Him, but it is also for our own good.

Perhaps, like me, you may sometimes feel that the spirit is willing but the body is weak. Moses reminded the Israelites to focus on who God is and what He does (vv.14-22), not simply on our own limited abilities or fickle ways. Fixing our eyes on God is fundamental to fearing, living, loving, serving and obeying Him. “For the LORD your God is the God of gods and Lord of lords. He is the great God, the mighty and awesome God” (v.17).

May we choose to do what our amazing God requires out of love for Him. As we do, He’ll be honoured and those we touch with His love will be blessed.

—Poh Fang Chia

365-day-plan: Acts 12:1-25