FORGET NOT HIS COMMANDS

By: Dennis Harworth

Reaching far back into the cavern of my memories, I remember my preschool days with my strict parents teaching me the “House Rules” – their house, their rules.  They demanded a high standard of morality as well as setting a foundation for diligence and responsibility with age-appropriate chores.  I did not get any allowance money; I just had to do what I was told.  So, when my parents told me to not to forget to do my chores, I knew it was not just a suggestion.

Fast forward to my teenage years when I was old enough to get a driver’s license.  In order to pass both the written and driving test, I had to learn the “rules of the road”.  By not obeying those rules, like doing a “California stop”, I actually got a reminder of what I did wrong in the form of a ticket.  As the officer gave me the “reminder”, he commented, “Remember to come to a complete stop”.

Now, years later as a Christian, I am still learning about God’s “rules”.  I have discovered that the God’s Word repeatedly encourages me to remember rather than forget or neglect His commandments.  By not forgetting to follow God’s commands, I am experiencing the benefits that come with obedience.  The rewards promised by a faithful God for obeying His commandments are so much greater than anything received for doing chores or observing traffic laws.

Before I go any farther, I would like to clear up any possible confusion.  There is a difference between what God commands and a commandment from God.  “What God commands” means anything He orders, instructs, or requires someone to do.  Basically, whatever God’s Word says to do is considered a command.  However, it can refer to an instruction specifically to a particular person or situation that does not pertain to you.  For example, God commanded Abraham to offer Isaac (Genesis 22). You would not consider that a commandment like one of the Ten Commandments.

“A commandment from God” usually means an authoritative instruction given by God as a specific rule to guide people in their behavior and conduct.  The Ten Commandments in Exodus 20 are examples of some of the specific commandments from God. Remember it this way:

Every commandment in the Bible from God is what God commands, but not

everything that God commands are necessarily called a “commandment”.

Either way, it is good to do what God says because there are rewards to those who follow God’s orders and instructions.  Realize that the rewards are the result of obeying the commands, not the reason for them.  God’s commands are not meant to burden you, but to lead, guide, guard, direct, and protect you.  They deserve to be stored and treasured in your heart, not just heard with your ears.

All throughout the Bible, God put in writing commands for you to follow for your own good.  Maybe you never saw scriptures this way.  I would like to share with you only five examples of commands and the rewards from Proverbs 3:1-10:

Never forget God’s commands…they add length of days and

years of life worth living with tranquility and prosperity.

(Proverbs 3:1-2 AMP)

Never let loyalty and kindness get away from you…you will find

favor with both God and people.

(Proverbs 3:3-4 NLT)

Trust the Lord with all your heart, seek His will in all you do…He will make your paths straight and smooth by removing obstacles that block your way.

(Proverbs 3:5-6 AMP)

Fear the Lord, turn your back on evil…you will gain renewed health and vitality.

(Proverbs 3:7-8 NLT)

Honor the Lord with your wealth…your life will overflow with blessings.

(Proverbs 3:9-10 TPT)

Our loving God is faithful to graciously and abundantly reward you for just doing what He says.  His commands are for your good, but your obedience is necessary.  Therefore, if you desire satisfying longevity, peace, prosperity, favor, smooth paths with fewer problems, health, vitality, and a life overflowing with blessings you must: FORGET NOT HIS COMMANDS.