The Bible Column - The Lord's desire for his children

“And now, Israel, what doth the Lord thy God require of thee, but to fear the Lord thy God, to walk in all his ways, and to love him, and to serve the Lord thy God with all thy heart and with all thy soul,” Deuteronomy 10:12
This Old Testament verse gives, in one place, a simple outline of the Lord’s desire for His children. Israel is God’s chosen people. They represent, in principle, those who through faith in God’s provision of redemption have come to Him for forgiveness of sin. Once forgiven from sin, an individual becomes a child of God. After sonship comes relationship. When children are born they receive possession of the family name. Then the relationship, whether good or bad is established day by day.
Our true relationship with the Father is determined by what we do and how we live. The Lord requires four things. First, we are to fear the Lord. Our proper fear of God causes us to have respect for His ability and desire to rule in our lives. Second, we need to walk in all His ways. The Bible is the Book of Life. It contains the way to go. Thirdly, we need to love the Lord. Our true love for Him will cause us to be obedient to Him. Finally, in this verse, the command is given to serve Him with all our heart and soul.
In the next verse of this context we learn that these commands are for our good. As we obey the Lord, our benefit is the result. Our society spends much energy and money to try to find personal good of all types. Here, is the simple Bible formula for God’s best for each of us. May we follow the Lord’s loving plan today!