“Serve only the Lord your God and fear him alone. Obey his commands, listen to his voice and cling to Him” (Deuteronomy 13:4 NLT).
I’ve been a word sleuth. I’ve spent time in my Bible and time on the Merriam-Webster website. What I read in the Word stopped me in my tracks. What I discovered in the dictionary concreted His command in my heart and head.
I understood the word serve. It’s the doing part required of His kids—the acts, deeds, hands-on moments in the field.
I understand the word obey. I don’t always carry it out, but I do understand it. It’s also the doing part of being His…the doing it when He asks—no sooner, no later.
I understood listening. That’s another word on which I have a competent grasp, but not a working knowledge of—on any level whatsoever. But I’m working on it.
Cling? I know what it is to cling to God during a storm. I’ve experienced clinging to God when the boat’s about to capsize. I thought I understood clinging—I do it whenever times are tough and my efforts are limited. But Merriam-Webster has opened my eyes to the depth of its meaning. May I share?
cling: –a) to have a strong emotional attachment to or dependence (he clung to his friends for support) b) to remain or linger as if resisting complete dissipation or dispersal (the odor clung to the room for several hours).
The second part of the definition is what I want my life to imitate. I want to resist being spread out too thinly in the world. I want to linger in His presence as long as I possibly can before the excitement, enthusiasm and zeal fades or is erased by outside influences. I hope to be so completely full of Christ that no part of myself remains at all. I want to refuse infection by the world, by my desires, by what I believe is best, easy or makes me look good.
Serve. Obey. Listen. Cling. Hmmm.
Malinda Edgell
Illinois
PRAY TOGETHER: Today is the first Sunday of Advent. Pray that believers will truly anticipate Christ’s coming.
