Proverbs 3:1-4

As I said in an earlier blog I am going through Proverbs 3 during my Bible study time, trying to get every bit of insight God gives me on these verses. Tonight I went back to the first four verses. It is amazing how the truths of God weave themselves all throughout His Word. Before Proverbs I was studying Deuteronomy and the message that kept showing up in those verses were to remember and keep God's commandments. Over and Over again in those verses Moses was reminding the Israelites as they were getting closer to entering the Promised Land, that they were to not forget the commandments of God. And not only that but were to pass them on to their children. Here again in the first few verses of Proverbs 3 the same theme is revealed. The verses read:
1 My son, do not forget my teaching, But let your heart keep my commandments ; 2 For length of days and years of life And peace they will add to you. 3 Do not let kindness and truth leave you; Bind them around your neck, Write them on the tablet of your heart. 4 So you will find favor and good repute In the sight of God and man. (NASB)

What God wants from us is obedience. His desire is that the teachings in His Word are so ingrained in our hearts that they define who we are. When His commandments are written on the "tablet of your heart" (vs. 3), every aspect of our lives are governed by them. Too many times people "accept Christ as their Savior" but never step beyond their conversion and become a true follower of Christ. God's commandments are not merely suggestions, but they are guidelines for which we as Christians should be compelled to follow. And as in Deuteronomy, along with the command to follow God's Laws is the promise that following those commands bring a reward (vs. 4).
But first in order for us to be able to keep God's commands the driving force in our lives, we must know them. Not only with a head knowledge but a heart one also. They are to be so ingrained in our heads and hearts that when faced with any situation we will be able to stand firm knowing that our actions are a result of godly wisdom and understanding and not our own sinful self. I pray that God's commands will be the driving force behind everything I do.