God's Good Motive

Why should I trust God enough to do what He says? Today's reading reveals God's motive for my obedience: it is for MY good. God lays out the ten commandments not because it does anything at all for Him, but as a solid framework for my happiness. He has no selfish motive but is simply looking out for my welfare, success, and security. He wants things to go well for me. How do you like that? God says:

"Oh that they had such a heart in them,

that they would fear Me and keep all My commandments

always, that it may be well with them and with

their [children] forever!" - Deuteronomy 5:29

If I truly trust in God's good motive, then maybe I could at least claim complete willingness to obey. But even then, I would lack the power! Today's New Testament portion reveals my own weakness -- not just Peter's. We are all in the same situation as Peter in the garden, wanting to do what's right, but unable to stand up to even the simplest test. When Jesus found him asleep at the switch, his response was not condemnation, but a comment:

" . . . the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak." - from Mark 14:38

I pray that God will give you and me the motivation and power to do as we should today, and that He will grant us the humbling awareness that He alone is the source of both willingness and strength to comply.

P.S. March 17, 2011. As I've continued through Deuteronomy, I have noticed again and again God's good motive for my obedience. Another specific example is in Deuteronomy 30:6. Even my love for God is for my own good, that I may live.