Moses exhorted the people to obey the Lord's commands that it may be well with them. He mentioned one benefit from doing so (long life) and one result (increase greatly):
"These are the commands, decrees and laws the Lord your God directed me to teach you to observe in the land that you are crossing the Jordan to possess, so that you, your children and their children after them may fear the Lord your God as long as you live by keeping all his decrees and commands that I give you, and so that you may enjoy long life. Hear, Israel, and be careful to obey so that it may go well with you and that you may increase greatly in a land flowing with milk and honey, just as the Lord, the God of your ancestors, promised you. Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength" (Deuteronomy 6:1-5, emphasis added).
God wants you to enjoy life but also expects that you will bring increase where He places you and in what He gives you to do. That can only happen when you heed the call in verse 5: to live Him with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength. Your purpose and creativity can't be part-time pursuits at your convenience or leisure. You must be all-in on serving the Lord and His kingdom with everything you have.
Are you enjoying an abundant life as Jesus promised, or just getting by? Are you bringing increase to your area of work, ministry, or creativity? How do you know? How can you measure it to be sure? And are you an all-in servant or part-time helper? We are later told in 2 Chronicles 16:9, "For the eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him." Are you fully committed? If so, then you are sure to savor the joys of serving the Lord and seeing the results in the land of the living.
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