Deuteronomy 6:1-9 (NRSV)
Read Deuteronomy 6:1-9 on biblegateway.com
Chapter 6Now this is the commandment-the statutes and the ordinances-that the Lord your God charged me to teach you to observe in the land that you are about to cross into and occupy, Verse 2so that you and your children and your children's children, may fear the Lord your God all the days of your life, and keep all his decrees and his commandments that I am commanding you, so that your days may be long. Verse 3Hear therefore, O Israel, and observe them diligently, so that it may go well with you, and so that you may multiply greatly in a land flowing with milk and honey, as the Lord, the God of your ancestors, has promised you.
Verse 4Hear, O Israel: The Lord is our God, the Lord alone. Verse 5You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your might. Verse 6Keep these words that I am commanding you today in your heart. Verse 7Recite them to your children and talk about them when you are at home and when you are away, when you lie down and when you rise. Verse 8Bind them as a sign on your hand, fix them as an emblem on your forehead, Verse 9and write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.
Devotion
Years ago, while trying to sort out all the competing demands on my time and attention, I sought the wisdom of an old retired pastor. He said, “Rick, I can’t give you specific answers, because I don’t know precisely what you will encounter. But I do know this: The good is the enemy of the best.”
We talked for a while, and I began to understand that it isn’t useless or evil things that tempt me away from what is crucial in my call; it is good things.
God is God. Over the years I have discovered that it is tempting to substitute other “good things” - family, health, happiness, etc. - for God. Not many of my friends and colleagues have been truly tempted by evil substitutes; but benign, neutral or even good things can insidiously start to crowd out God in our lives. Thanks, Arthur -- your advice has been helpful.
Prayer
Lord, help us to enjoy your wonderful creation and all the gifts you give. But help us to worship you and you alone.