“And the seeds that fell on fertile soil represent those who, with a good and receptive heart, hear the message, accept it, and with patience, produce a great harvest” (Luke 8:15).
Everything we allow into our hearts—whether a thought, a desire, or an attitude—that goes against God’s will already revealed in the Scriptures, has the power to distance us from our eternal purpose. No matter how small or hidden it may seem, if it is in disagreement with the Lord’s commandments, it is a step toward error. Eternal life is our ultimate goal, and there is nothing more important in this life than ensuring we are walking firmly in that direction. All other achievements lose their value in the face of eternity.
Obeying God is not complicated. His will was clearly revealed by the prophets and reaffirmed by Jesus in the Gospels. Anyone can obey, if they truly desire to please the Creator. What makes this path difficult is not the complexity of the Law, but the resistance of the heart and the lies spread by the enemy. Since Eden, the serpent has repeated the same strategy: making humans believe that obedience is impossible, that God demands too much, that living in holiness is only for a select few.
But God is just and good. He would never ask us to do something we could not fulfill. When He commands, He also enables. Do not listen to the devil. Listen to the voice of God, which speaks through His holy, eternal, and perfect commandments. Obedience is the sure path to eternal life, and every step taken in faithfulness is a step toward heaven. Do not allow anything—absolutely anything—to rise up in your heart against the will of God. Keep His Law with joy, and you will experience the peace, guidance, and assurance that you are on the path of salvation. -Adapted from Hannah Whitall Smith. Until tomorrow, if the Lord allows us.
Pray with me: Dear God, I thank You for showing me so clearly that nothing is more important in this life than walking firmly toward eternal life. You have revealed Your will through the prophets and through the words of Your beloved Son, and I know that anything I allow in my heart that goes against it can take me away from that purpose. I want to live with my focus on eternity, not allowing anything to divert me from Your will.
My Father, today I ask You to strengthen my heart against all resistance to Your Law. May I not listen to the ancient lies of the serpent, which try to make what You have already made accessible seem impossible. Teach me to obey with joy, humility, and perseverance. I know You are just and good, and that You never ask anything without also enabling me. Give me discernment to recognize error, courage to reject it, and zeal to keep Your Word in the innermost part of my being.
Oh, Most Holy God, I adore and praise You because Your will is perfect and the path of obedience is safe and full of peace. Your beloved Son is my eternal Prince and Savior. Your powerful Law is like a protective wall that guards my heart from the enemy’s traps. Your commandments are like stars that light my journey night and day, surely leading me to heaven. I pray in the precious name of Jesus, amen.
