What is Required?

Now, Israel, what does the Lord your God require from you, but to fear the Lord your God, to walk in all His ways and love Him, and to serve the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul, and to keep the Lord’s commandments and His statutes which I am commanding you today for your good?  Deuteronomy 10:12-13

When students enter a new class they usually ask, "What are the requirements? How many tests will there be? Will we have to write a term paper? And if so, how long must it be?" How much homework and extra reading will there be? Etc.

It's the same in the workplace. Employees want to know their job description. What is required of me? Everybody wants to know the requirements, including Christians. In the verses above, Moses asks Israel “what does the Lord your God require from you?”  These words are spoken to people who already have a personal relationship with Him so this is speaking of requirements for living a Christian life. 

…to fear the Lord your God

The word 'fear' means "respect" or "reverence." Whenever we hear the word fear, we think of being afraid or scared.  Fearing the Lord usually refers to respect and reverence. We need to understand that as Christians, we should not be afraid of God, because he is our heavenly Father.

Fear can be healthy.  Sometimes it is the only thing that motivates people to fulfill their obligations.

But the kind of fear we are supposed to have for God is out of love, devotion, and respect.  Unfortunately many Christians today have lost the fear of the Lord.  So many Christians today have the attitude towards God and Jesus that there are no real consequences of neglecting Bible reading, prayer, or the local church, let alone having a personal relationship with Christ.  One day we will stand before God and give an account of how we have used the gifts and talents that He has given to us. And that is not a light thing to consider.

…to walk in His Ways

To walk with someone is to be close to them; how close are you with the Lord? Walking implies several things:

1.    It implies action.

• Walking is the opposite of sitting and doing nothing.
• If we are Christians, then we should act like it.
• We need to live the things we believe.
• We need to allow others to see our faith at work.
• It is time for us to become active…no room for pew-potatoes…let's get moving in our spiritual life.

2.    It implies progress.

• If we take one step and then sit down, that's not much of a walk.
• Are we growing in Christ?
• Are we more spiritually mature than we were a year ago?
• If not, why not? Every disciple should be on 'the grow'.
• It implies perseverance.

Change requires movement.  No one can stay where they are and grow or change.  Walking in His ways is going to require action.  Get on the move today to let your life be an example of “what is required”!

Scripture to Claim:

Keep steady my steps according to your promise, and let no iniquity get dominion over me. Psalm 119:133 ESV