Don't gloss over this verse too quickly.
Don't mistakenly read this verse as some platitude or positive generalization.
Deuteronomy 10:12-13
Israel, what does the LORD your God require of you, but to fear the LORD your God, to walk in 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?
Require.
The question is "what does the LORD your God require of you . . ."
The answer - - is no small task; no half-way, almost, maybe.
Fear - Walk - Love - Serve - Keep
And all of this punctuated with commanding.
Moses' words in Deuteronomy are not suggestions. They are commands and expectations God has already given. Deuteronomy is a reminder - a reminder of the covenant.
Our relationship with God is a covenant of love that requires a commitment to God as the One and only God of our lives. All things, ways, and actions must be submitted to Him. It's a requirement, and we can't let our commitment become diluted by selfishness, laziness, busyness, or any other distraction. There are lies that can creep in when you read this verse.
You might read it as a positive, but unattainable, goal.
You might get "warm fuzzies" from the familiarity and skip the intensity.
You might see the word command and relegate the whole thing to Old Covenant.
Read the verse again with fresh eyes and "ears to hear".
And pause at the end for a blessed phrase:
for your good
Praise and thanks to our God who is love and intends all things for the good of those who love Him!
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