What Does the Lord Require of You?

A Call to Deep Reflection

In Deuteronomy 10:12-13, we encounter one of the most profound teachings in the Old Testament—a passage that gathers divine wisdom, truth, and beauty into a single, powerful statement. These verses, like a spiritual lens, focus multiple beams of truth into a clear path of what it means to serve God sincerely and completely. This passage, much like a precious gem, holds an unparalleled value, radiating with a beauty that could easily stand beside any of the sayings of Jesus in its simplicity and depth.

Micah echoes this command with clarity: “He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?” (Micah 6:8, NASB). These requirements—justice, kindness, humility—reveal a life pleasing to God, a life not just outwardly pious but deeply aligned with His will.

God’s Requirement is a Statutory Law

God’s command to Israel is not a suggestion or a temporary guideline; it is a statutory law found in His holy Word. We might initially feel overwhelmed by the call to live in such a way. The command may seem “so vast, so stupendous,” and yet, it is God’s design for how we, His people, should live. The challenge is made clear, but it comes with God’s guidance and His help, making it accessible for those who truly seek to walk with Him.

Analyzing God’s Requirements

1. Israel’s Unique Calling

God’s words in Deuteronomy are specifically addressed to Israel, His chosen people, whom He brought out of Egypt and established as a holy nation. “And now, Israel, what does the Lord your God require from you…?” (Deut. 10:12, NASB). This calling extended to Israel then, but through Christ, it now extends to all who follow Him. This personal, direct relationship is foundational in God’s dealings with His people.

2. The Requirement of Personal Commitment

The command is not vague; it is deeply personal: “What does the Lord require of you?” God’s requirements are not just for the nation as a whole or an abstract principle; they are for each individual. We are each called to respond to Him directly, without passing off responsibility to others.

3. Immediate and Reverent Fear of the Lord

“To fear the Lord your God” (Deut. 10:12) speaks of a profound reverence and awe that we should have toward our Creator. This fear is not terror but a deep respect and honor, recognizing God’s majesty and authority. As Proverbs 1:7 states, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge.” We are called to revere God with all that we are, acknowledging that He is sovereign and holy.

4. Walking in His Ways

God requires us to “walk in all His ways” (Deut. 10:12). This means living according to His commands, embodying His truth in every aspect of our lives. It’s a holistic commitment that affects our thoughts, actions, and relationships. We do not choose only the ways that suit us; we are to follow all His ways, aligning our entire lives with His will. Jesus reminds us of this in John 14:15, “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.”

5. Love the Lord Your God

This command extends beyond actions to our very hearts. “And to love Him…” (Deut. 10:12). Loving God is central to all that we do, reflecting a relationship that goes beyond duty into devotion. First John 4:19 explains, “We love, because He first loved us.” Our love for God is a response to His immense love for us, a love that calls for our total allegiance and affection.

6. Serve the Lord with All Your Heart and Soul

The requirement to “serve the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul” (Deut. 10:12) is a complete surrender of our will, placing all we have and all we are in service to God. True service to God is wholehearted, not half-hearted. It involves our energy, talents, resources, and even our ambitions. Jesus emphasized this commitment in Matthew 22:37, saying, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.”

7. Keeping His Commandments for Our Good

Lastly, God calls us to “keep the Lord’s commandments and His statutes” (Deut. 10:13). Obedience is not an option; it is a requirement for all who follow Him. However, God’s commandments are not burdensome (1 John 5:3); rather, they are given for our good. His laws guide us to a life that is full, righteous, and aligned with His perfect will. Obedience brings blessings, shaping us to become more like Christ.

Honoring the Name of the Lord

Part of respecting God includes honoring His name. In the third commandment, Exodus 20:7 instructs, “You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain, for the Lord will not leave him unpunished who takes His name in vain.” This command emphasizes reverence, warning us against using God’s name carelessly or disrespectfully. To honor His name is to acknowledge its holiness and authority, treating it with the highest regard.

In today’s world, it’s easy to fall into the habit of using euphemisms—milder or indirect expressions—that still disrespect the sacredness of God’s name. Terms like “golly,” “gosh,” “gee,” and “jeez” are derived from “God” and “Jesus,” and while they may seem harmless, they can lessen the reverence we hold for His name. Other phrases, such as “for heaven’s sake,” “for goodness’ sake,” or “goodness gracious,” are often used as casual expressions of frustration or surprise but originally referenced divine attributes and names.

Thoughtlessly using these phrases diminishes the respect we are called to show for God. Instead of using His name or euphemistic alternatives in everyday expressions, we can choose language that reflects the honor and reverence due to Him. With over 400,000 words in the English language, we have many ways to express ourselves without unintentionally disrespecting the name of the Lord.

In honoring God’s name, we demonstrate our love and reverence for Him. By choosing our words thoughtfully, we set ourselves apart, recognizing that as His followers, we carry His name and represent Him in the world.

Conclusion: What Does This Mean for Us?

“What does the Lord require of you?” This is not just a question for Israel but for every believer today. God’s requirements are clear—reverence, love, obedience, and whole-hearted devotion. In meeting these requirements, we discover a life of true joy and purpose, grounded in a relationship with our Creator. This call is not to a burdensome task but to a life aligned with His will, leading us to a deeper understanding of who He is and who we are meant to be in Him.

Let us remember that the heart of what God requires is not just obedience but a life transformed by His love and grace. As we strive to live by these principles, may we honor Him with all that we are and all that we do.