Deuteronomy 10:12, 13  “And now, Israel, what does the Lord your God ask of you but to fear the Lord your God, to walk in obedience to him, to love him, to serve the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul, and to observe the Lord’s commands and decrees that I am giving you today for your own good?” (NIV)

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“If you know what’s good for you, . . .”

“Boy, if you know what’s good for you, . . .”

“Son, if you know what’s good for you, . . .”

Some phrases require no interpretation. 

I can hear the echoes now of my mother, father, teachers, coaches, and others using these words to get my attention and redirect my intentions. 

Most often, these words were a mercy. Sometimes, they were threatening. In which sense does God use them here? 

Verse 13 tells us the outcomes of verse 12. Verse 12 told Israel to “fear the LORD your God,” or, as we would say it, live in deepest reverence for God. This verse also tells us “to walk in obedience to him.” God only tells us to do what is best for us and others. He does not direct us into unnecessary harm or accidental crises. Obedience to God’s life-giving commands is where his highest and best gifts are stored. Blessings flow from where our feet go when we walk with him all along our ways.

This verse tells us “to love him, to serve the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul.” This leaves no room for any lesser gods, any earthly charms, anything that would distract us or detract from the adoration God alone deserves. 

These instructions bring us to the Why of verse 13. We “observe the LORD’s commands and decrees” God gives us for our own good. 

There is a lot written today about being good to yourself. For example, “What does ‘be good to yourself’ mean?

“The practice of self-compassion involves treating yourself with the same kindness, concern, and compassion that you would offer to a dear friend. This means acknowledging your own suffering and struggles, realizing that it’s a normal part of human experience, and responding to yourself with warmth and understanding.” (Be Good To Yourself – 2C Holidays
https://www.2cholidays.co.uk › be-good-to-yourself)

Also, “What are simple ways to be good to yourself?
7 Simple Ways To Be Good to Yourself – One Love Foundation

• Take a Shower or Bath. Give yourself some much needed TLC (tender, love, and care) at home with a refreshing shower or luxurious bath. …
• Enjoy the Simple Things. …
• Call a Friend. …
• Give Yourself Time. …
• Go Outside. …
• Start a Conversations (With Yourself) …
• Know That You Are Loved.”

([https://bit.ly/4kY8xSo](https://bit.ly/4kY8xSo))  

It’s good to take a bath now and again, but I’m pretty sure God’s directions run a little deeper than, “Remember, it’s all about you.”

The nicest, kindest thing you can do for yourself, and for everyone else, is to live in full alignment and attunement with God’s loving nature and character. There is no higher standard, no greater meaning, and no greater delight. 

Read verses 14-22. They tell us more about who God is, how he loves us, what he does for us, and how he takes ordinary people like us and uses us to bless the whole world. We are nicest and kindest to ourselves when we acknowledge God for who he is and love him in response to how he loves us. 

This is a passage to ponder, not a text block to speed read. These are ideas bigger than Dallas and better than Fort Worth. These truths are declarations about how to make the most out of life. 

If you know what’s good for you, and now you do, live what you know to be true.

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I will do what’s best for me by knowing God in a deep and abiding relationship.

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Our Father, the Bible tells us that you are Love. Love originates in you. It is your expression. Every command and direction you give comes from a place of love and makes all of our relationships possible and meaningful. We love because you first loved us. Deepen our walk with you that we may comprehend your loving nature ever more accurately. Shape our hearts and minds in such a manner that everything we think, do, and say becomes an echo of your love. Teach us the blessings of loving obedience. Fill our lives with loving consequences. Amen.