Prolong Your Days

In the final words of Moses, we find the challenge to the Israelites to remain faithful. These words should be a challenge to all who fear God and want to go to heaven:

“Moses finished speaking all these words to all Israel, and he said to them: “Set your hearts on all the words which I testify among you today, which you shall command your children to be careful to observe — all the words of this law. For it is not a futile thing for you, because it is your life, and by this word you shall prolong your days in the land which you cross over the Jordan to possess” (Deuteronomy 32:45-47).

From this great passage we learn several key elements in faithful living toward God:

First, we must set our hearts on following God. Just as Ezra “prepared his heart to seek the Law of the Lord and to do it, and to teach statutes and ordinances in Israel” (Ezra 7:10), the Christian must be preparing his heart to learn the will of God so that he can keep God’s commandments and teach God’s will to the lost. Rather than being obsessed with things of this world, we must “set our mind on things above, not on things of the earth” (Colossians 3:2). Let us make the decision to follow God’s will in all things.

Second, we must set our hearts on the word of God. Oh the beauty of the 119th Psalm: “Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You” (v.11); “Oh, how I love Your law! It is my meditation all the day” (v.97); “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (v.105). Peter rightly declared, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life” (John 6:68). Our hearts are to turn to God and His word for guidance in daily life for it is profitable and complete (2 Timothy 3:16,17; 2 Peter 1:3; Jude 3).

Third, we must set our hearts on teaching God’s word to our children. There is a great privilege in having children. Children are a blessing from God (Psalm 127:3-5). With that blessing comes responsibility. The Christian must teach his children the ways of God, nurturing and admonishing them in the Lord (Ephesians 6:1-4). Teaching is not a once in a while activity, nor is it something to be left to a Bible class teacher on Sunday morning. Teaching our children and grandchildren must be done daily, looking for opportunities in all that we do (Deuteronomy 6:4ff).

Fourth, we (including our children) must be careful to observe all of the words of the law. Jesus said, “If you love Me, keep My commandments” (John 14:15). Obedience is essential in gaining salvation. Jesus is the author of eternal salvation to everyone who obeys Him (Hebrews 5:9). In order to obey, we must first gain understanding. We must study the Bible so that we can know the truth (John 8:31,32; 2 Timothy 2:15). In order to observe the Scriptures, we must open our Bibles and look deeply into the text for instruction and in order to grasp the ways of God. Remember, faith comes by hearing the word of God (Romans 10:17).

Fifth, setting our hearts on God and His word is not a futile thing. To be futile is to be worthless, useless, or have no purpose. The study and knowledge of God’s word is not a vain thing. The famous words of Hosea 4:6 declare that the children of God were being destroyed for a lack of knowledge. The Proverbs are written so that we would understand the importance of Godly wisdom. Brethren, it is very important that we study the word and follow God’s ways. The purpose of study is that it brings us closer to God and with proper application it will help us to gain life everlasting.

Sixth, setting our hearts on God and His word will bring us life. The wonderful words of life we sing about and that Peter spoke about are the words of God. There are many books produced each year for the purpose of helping the reader to be better in life. These self-help books are on everything from physical health to financial health and even some claiming to give the reader spiritual health. But there is only on Book that will ever point us to life and that is the Bible. Many of us are busy trying to be better parents, employees, or be better prepared for retirement. In and of themselves, these are good goals. But the greatest goal and the most often neglected goal by many, is the opportunity to gain eternal life. We must make Bible study a priority in our lives so that we may know the truth and be saved.

Seventh, setting our hearts on God and His word will prolong our days. While no one person is guaranteed long life in this world, the principles of God promote physical and financial health. Christians with hearts set on doing the will of God will not be brought down by drugs and alcohol that kill so many people in this world. Christians determined to follow Christ will not be involved in gambling and riotous living. Christians who love their fellow man will not take their lives or harm them in any way. Christian living is wholesome living and lends itself toward happiness and long life. Then as faithful children of God, we can reach out to the lost with the Gospel and edify the saved throughout our lives, serving God while we live so that we can rejoice forever in the next life.

The words of Moses to Joshua and the children of Israel are highly motivational for the child of God today. Let us strive to set our hearts on God and doing His will so that we can gain eternal life.