Is All Well?

 "Listen closely, Israel, and be careful to obey. Then all will go well with you. . . The Lord is our God, the Lord alone. And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your strength" (Deuteronomy 6:3–5 NLT).

 God's message, delivered to the Israelites before entering the land of promise, is the same for us today. Parents were to instruct their children and obediently live out God’s commands every day. As the family sat at home, traveled, went to bed in the evening, and when they woke in the morning, God wanted His Word taught and followed (vs. 6–7). Did you notice the promise for obedience? All would go well with them (v. 3).

Think about the repercussions of neglecting to obey God's commands carefully. Is there any wonder why families are in crisis today? Sadly, in many households, children rule the home rather than the parents. Church attendance depends on what activities are on the calendar. Electronic devices have overtaken everyday communications. How diligent are you to teach your children to love God and obey Him? You may be thinking, but that was the Old Testament times. Yes, it was, so let’s fast-forward to the New Testament.

When the scribes asked Jesus, which commandment was the greatest, He replied by quoting the same passage in Deuteronomy, adding: "And the second is like unto it, thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets." (Matthew 22:39–40). All of God’s commandments hinge on two: Love and obey God, and love others as yourself. Are you diligently teaching your family to love, obey and serve God wholeheartedly, and love others? “. . . Be careful to obey. Then all will go well with you.” Is all well with you?