TOPIC: Christian Living/Situational, Obedience/Discipleship, Faith/Trust

Have you ever noticed how complicated we make things? I mean, when you want to know what God expects of you, you can find entire books, workshops, training programs and studies that help you find the "secret" formula. But God made it really simple and clear if we just pay attention to His Word.

What Does God Say?

Deuteronomy 10:12-13 holds the key: "And now, Israel, what does the LORD your God require of you, but to fear the LORD your God, to walk in all his ways, to love him, to serve the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul, and to keep the commandments and statutes of the LORD, which I am commanding you today for your good?" ( ESV)

These verses name five things that God requires of us. They tell us that if we're living in respectful awe (fear) and honoring God, if we love Him and we're seeking to please Him, giving Him our whole hearts and are eager to obey Him, the rest of the details of life fall into place.

Jesus put it even more simply in Matthew 22:37-39: "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself" ( ESV).

Your love for God lines up your vertical relationship with Him and influences your love for other people. And if you're operating in true, godly love, you aren't going to lie, cheat, steal, be unfaithful or chase after things that don't matter to God. So, these really are the two core commands, the foundation for all the other commandments.

My Thoughts

Let's go back to Deuteronomy 10:12-13 and outline the five things God wants from you. Look up the additional verses and describe these expectations in your own words.

1] "Fear the Lord your God": To show God the reverence, honor and respect He deserves because He is God. Psalm 33:8; Proverbs 1:7; 10:27.

2] "Walk in all His ways": As a child imitates his father, you need to reflect God's character and follow the path He leads. Deuteronomy 5:33; 2 Samuel 22:31; Psalm 86:11; 25:10; 77:13; 145:17.

3] "Love Him": A passionate desire for God, one that gives Him first place in your life. Deuteronomy 6:5; Psalm 31:23.

4] "Serve the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul": Whole-hearted dedication to willingly do whatever God asks. 1 Samuel 12:24; Ephesians 6:6-8.

5] "Keep the commandments": Our positive response to God's Word to us, knowing what He says and submitting our will to Him in obedience. 2 John 1:6; Deuteronomy 28:1,15; Psalm 119:33-34; 57-64.

My Part

Think through your daily routine and look for ways to put each expectation into practice in your own life. How might it change your priorities? Your schedule? Your activities? Your relationships with other people? Keep track of any changes you make and ask God to help you live the way He wants you to live.