The way of the Lord is not easy. It includes things like loving people who are unkind to us. It involves giving things away with no thought of getting anything in return. It tells us to rejoice in our suffering. And it teaches us to forgive–again and again. We are not bent to do these things naturally. Yet, if we are walking with Jesus, such things are expected.
The Bible says a lot about the way of the Lord. God wants us to find the best way through this world. Our life on earth is only a short span of time, but how we live it matters for all eternity.
The Scriptures make it clear salvation is a gift. It comes to us by grace through faith in Jesus’ death and resurrection for our sins. We can’t earn our way into God’s family by keeping the commandments. We couldn’t keep them perfectly anyway. Only Jesus did that. We could never do enough to earn our way into God’s kingdom. It’s a matter of accepting God’s generous grace. Apart from Jesus we are dead in our sins. But by grace, we are given life in Jesus.
However, the commandments matter. Doing things God’s way is important. God chose Abraham so that he would direct his children and his household in the way of the Lord, by doing what is right and just (Genesis 18:19). God promised the Israelites blessing if they obeyed Him and curses if they didn’t. Sometimes they obeyed God and received great blessing. Other times they brought trouble on themselves through their disobedience.
God’s heart is to bless His people. He doesn’t make the same specific promises to us that He made to the Israelites, but God has not changed. The principle still holds. He blesses obedience.
God’s commandments are for our good. They set boundaries that help us avoid a lot of trouble. If we ignore what matters to God, we bring unnecessary trouble on ourselves.
Moses asked God to teach him His ways so that Moses would know God and continue to find favor with Him (Exodus 33:13). The Proverbs teach us that God loves those who pursue godliness, and that the way of the godly leads to life. A recurring description of evil kings in the Bible informs us they did not walk in the ways of the Lord.
Jesus taught that everyone who hears His words and puts them into practice is like a wise person who builds his house on a rock. Storms will come, but the one who has the solid foundation of His truth will survive them. But the one who doesn’t put into practice the things He teaches is like a foolish person who builds his house on sand. When the rains come, everything comes crashing down (Matthew 7:24-27).
Keeping God’s ways serves us well. Life just works better when we do things His way.
The first commandment is to love God with all our heart. We show our love for Him by keeping His commandments, even though we will always keep them imperfectly.
The way of the Lord is not easy, but it is filled with blessing.
Who is wise? Let them realize these things. Who is discerning? Let them understand. The ways of the Lord are right; the righteous walk in them, but the rebellious stumble in them. Hosea 14:9
How have you been blessed by following the way of the Lord? Please leave a comment below.
Blessings,
Phyllis
Copyright 2025 Phyllis Farringer
Image by Waldryano from Pixabay
Thanks, Phyllis. I’m so grateful for God’s guidance and protection. I appreciate your post.
I am grateful every day for His guidance and protection. Thanks, Joni.