“My son, do not forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commandments, for length of days and years of life and peace they will add to you.” – Proverbs 3:1-2
We live in a 1950’s neighborhood, lined with sidewalks and dotted with parks. It is a beautifully nostalgic neighborhood. Once a suburb of Greensboro, now it is in the middle of the city, and that location comes with traffic. The house was built about twenty feet from the road. If you’ve ever had little two-year-old boy, you know how quickly he can cover that distance! One of the first lessons we’ve had to teach each of our sons is to never run into the road without us or without our permission. Obedience to this command is not an option because their health and life are at stake. We do not want any harm to come to them.
How quickly we can forget that God loves us the same way, yet even more! When he gives you a command it’s because he wants you to have life and peace in his presence. He is not withholding good from you by demanding obedience to His word any more than I am withholding good from my sons by telling them to not run into the road. My command is for their good, and God’s commands are for our good.
The reward for obedience to God’s commands is life and peace. In Christ, this reward is completely yours! His perfect obedience is credited to your account. Not only does his obedience count for you, but he gives the grace and power for you to live a life of obedience now. Even in suffering, Christ promises peace because he has overcome the world (John 16:33; John 14:27). Since you are in Christ, you have also overcome the world (1 John 5:4)! Even in sickness and death, you have life because you are in Christ (Romans 8:31-39). Therefore, since you have life, peace, and righteousness in Christ by grace, live a life of obedience to his word. You will be rewarded now and in the life to come.
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