Deuteronomy 10:12-13 “12 ‘Now, Israel, what does the Lord your God require from you, but to fear the Lord your God, to walk in all His ways and love Him, and to serve the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul, 13 and to keep the Lord’s commandments and His statutes which I am commanding you today for your good?’” 

EXPECTATIONS

 I worked over 30 years in the Children’s Homes ministry throughout the Southeast.  Whenever I talked with a child about getting along with the Houseparent or anyone else in authority, I would ask them, “Do you know what they expect from you?  Do you understand the rules?”  Most of the time, when they began to realize those, they got along much better.

Here it is in a nutshell.  God boils it all down.  Here is what He expects from us.  Fear the Lord.  Walk in His ways.  Love Him.  Serve Him.  Keep His commandments and statutes.  If we do that, rebellion won’t be on our minds.  Our hearts will be surrendered to Him, and all will be well between us.

TEACHING MOMENT

 Now, this is a principle you want to make sure to teach to your little Susie and Johnny.  The earlier they learn this, the easier their walk with the Lord will be.  Of course, as believers in Christ, we have the extra benefit of the Holy Spirit residing in us.  He reminds us of our love for the Savior.

Your children are more than likely going to rebel or resist you at some point.  Make sure they understand what you, as a parent, expect from them.  Keep your expectations age appropriate, but most importantly, keep them Christ focused.  If your children are pleasing their Master, they should be pleasing you too.

Perhaps you need a reminder today of your allegiance.  We adults can get so distracted making our children mind that we forget that we are required to do the same.  Are you fearing, walking, loving, serving and keeping?

Law Giver, I am thankful that Christ came to fulfill the Law.  I know I am still required to surrender my life to You on a daily  basis.  Today, I do that afresh.  Thank You.