Deuteronomy 32:46-47:
“Take to heart all the words I have solemnly declared to you this day, so that you may command your children to obey carefully all the words of this law. They are not just idle words for you—they are your life. By them you will live long in the land you are to possess.”
In our quote-unquote Christian culture, it is so easy for us to hear Bible verses and treat them like “idle words,” isn’t it? But what did God call His laws, His precepts, His principles? … They are your life. Literally, “Words to live by”.
With this in mind listen again to the passage, this time from The Message
“Take to heart all these words to which I give witness today and urgently command your children to put them into practice, every single word of this Revelation. Yes. This is no small matter for you; it’s your life. In keeping this word you’ll have a good and long life in this land …
think for a moment what having a good and long life in this land means to you.
The scripture tells us the living by His word is no small matter, it’s literally your life. Is there an area of life right now that you know you are not living according to God‘s laws?
Instead of just beating yourself up and heaping more shame and guilt on yourself, can you reframe it and see that God‘s commands and God‘s laws are for your benefit. This is not just trying to control behavior… it’s like looking at scripture as an instruction or user guide for our life.
Now, how can we pass that critical principle down to our kids?
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, I know I am the pathway of Your Word and Your life to my kids. Help me find ways to express You to them and make Your Word a part of our everyday
life. For You to be the head of my home. As above, so below.”