How does following Deuteronomy 6:18 impact our relationship with God and others? The text at a glance “Do what is right and good in the sight of the LORD so that it may be well with you, and that you may enter and possess the good land the LORD swore to give your fathers.” (Deuteronomy 6:18) What the command means • “Do what is right and good” – an all-embracing charge to live in moral agreement with God’s revealed standards. • “In the sight of the LORD” – He is the ultimate audience; motives and actions both matter. • “So that it may be well with you” – obedience carries real, tangible blessing. • “Enter and possess the good land” – God links fidelity to the enjoyment of His promised inheritance. How obedience deepens our relationship with God • Builds intimacy: John 14:21 – “Whoever has My commandments and keeps them is the one who loves Me… and I will reveal Myself to him.” • Increases assurance: 1 John 2:3 – “By this we can be sure that we have come to know Him: if we keep His commandments.” • Unlocks blessing: Psalm 34:8 – “Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him!” • Trains trust: Each step of obedience proves God’s faithfulness, making future trust easier. • Displays lordship: Acts of righteousness confess that He, not self, sets the agenda of life. How obedience shapes relationships with people • Models righteousness: Matthew 5:16 – our good works cause others to “glorify your Father in heaven.” • Promotes peace: Romans 12:17-18 – living honorably before all, seeking peace “as far as it depends on you.” • Establishes justice: Micah 6:8 – doing right and loving mercy honors God and protects neighbors. • Cultivates credibility: Consistency between confession and conduct earns trust and opens doors for witness. • Fosters community blessing: When families, churches, and societies practice God’s standards, everyone benefits. Practical ways to live Deuteronomy 6:18 today 1. Examine choices daily: “Is this right and good in the LORD’s sight?” 2. Saturate life with Scripture (Deuteronomy 6:6-7) to align instincts with God’s ways. 3. Invite accountability—allow trusted believers to speak when actions drift from what is “right and good.” 4. Act promptly on convictions; delayed obedience erodes joy. 5. Celebrate God’s tangible blessings that follow faithfulness, reinforcing future obedience. Encouraging takeaways • God’s commands are never arbitrary; they safeguard relationship with Him and bless those around us. • Every act of righteousness today is a seed of tomorrow’s “good land.” • Obedience is worship in motion—a living testimony that the Lord’s ways are perfect (Psalm 18:30). |
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