“My son, do not forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commandments, for length of days and years of life and peace they will add to you.“
These two verses bring us two commands, and two promises. Let’s take a closer look.
The commands are (1) “do not forget my teaching”, and (2) “keep my commandments”. We might think of these as words of a father to a son, and that’s not at all a bad application, but an even better application is to think of these as the words of God speaking to both father and son. Only God can reliably promise the two promises found here.
God’s promises are (1) “length of days and years of life”, and (2) “peace”.
“Do not forget my teaching” speaks to our human tendency to look in the mirror and forget what we saw as soon as we step away. We can read God’s word, but after a quick scan we go on to other things, and later in the day we usually cannot tell you what we read. “Do not forget” recognizes this, and entreats us to recognize this tendency within ourselves also, and to take specific measures to remember what we’ve read.
One of those is found in the second command: “let your heart keep my commandments“. It’s a common human characteristic to have our actions governed more by our emotions than by our thoughts. One who is normally self-controlled by wise thoughts instead of rampant emotions is considered to be wise and mature; one to be emulated.
This is what these quiet-time lessons are about; taking in what our eyes see and our brain processes, and making it part of our emotional response. If I’m obeying God because that’s what I know I should do, I can quickly find myself making excuses and finding justifications for different (sinful) behavior. However, if God’s Word is fully integrated into my heart, forming my core values and emotional response, I’m far less likely to step outside of God’s boundaries.
And what of the promises here? Most of the world has a strong desire for long life. That’s why our television programming is filled with ads from Bowflex and Peleton! Gyms are a growing and lucrative business. Much of the world around us wants to ensure a longer life through self-effort. God will give us that longer life if we will obey Him and live within His boundaries for our life. I cannot tell you exactly how that works, but I know that God is faithful and will keep His promises.
Inner peace is His second promise. This is a peace that surpasses all understanding (Phil. 4:7). We don’t see many ads on TV for inner peace. God’s peace doesn’t make sense to people who don’t honor God. I can’t help but wonder whether some of the trials we endure in life happen because they give us the opportunity to demonstrate the effect of God’s inner peace to the world around us. God’s peace “will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus”; it cannot be received by unbelievers.
What will you do today to integrate God’s word into your heart? How will you encourage your children and grandchildren to do the same?
Rod's Quiet Time 