Bread for the JourneySample

Great Advice

“Only be careful and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them fade from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children and to their children after them.” (Deuteronomy 4:9, NIV)

This very important advice was given by Moses to the people of Israel when he urged them to walk in obedience before their God. Guarding their souls diligently was the same as being guardians of their own lives, carefully watching so that nothing and no one interfered with their relationship with God.

The servant of God also warned them not to forget all that their good God had done for them. These were things they had experienced firsthand and should not allow them to slip into oblivion. The memory of those experiences would help them in their journey through life and in all the experiences they still had to live through.

I am convinced that, even though that advice was for Israel, it is divine advice for all of us who have put our faith in Jesus Christ the Savior, so it should be received by us with great eagerness. It is good for us to analyze ourselves and reflect on how much diligence we put into guarding our souls from evil.

The enemy is very diligent in his attack against the children of God, and the strategies he carries out to divert our soul from faithful obedience to the Lord are many and varied. Therefore, as the apostle Paul said, we must stand firm against the devil's schemes and be diligent and careful about our faith. “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.” (Ephesians 6:10-11, NIV)

Every day is a fresh start, and our effort should be just as fresh! Yesterday is over. If we were watchful yesterday but neglect today, we haven't really made much progress. We must always be aware of our responsibility to watch over our souls.

To help with this, remembering is key. Thinking about God's constant blessings, everything Jesus accomplished for us on the cross, and His endless compassion will help us be careful and attentive in looking after our spiritual lives.

Being lazy, settling for the status quo, and just falling into routine are not good things. All these things only lead us to be careless with ourselves and open the door for harm in our spiritual life.

In the book of Hebrews, we find advice that is very similar to what Moses gave the people of Israel. It says: “We must pay more careful attention, therefore, to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away.” (Hebrews 2:1 NIV)

Let's be diligent in watching over our souls, and with thankful hearts, let's remember the wonderful things our beloved Heavenly Father has done and continues to do for us!