DEUTERONOMY 30:11-20
A journalist had a peculiar passion for never using a blue pen. So, in response to his colleague’s inquiry about whether he required anything from the shop, he requested some pens. He said, “But not blue pens. I do not desire blue pens. I do not care for blue. Get me 12 ballpoint pens, but do not get any blue ones.” The pens were handed to him the following day, and they were all blue. Although he was not happy, his colleague responded, “You kept saying blue, blue. The phrase that most deeply affected me was that one.” The journalist’s use of repetition made an impact, but it was not what he was hoping for.
Moses, the lawgiver of Israel, repeatedly urged his people to follow God’s law, but the result was the opposite. He promised obedience would lead to life and prosperity, while disobedience would result in destruction (Deuteronomy 30:15–18).
When we love God, we desire to live in accordance with His will, not because we worry about the repercussions but rather because it makes us happy to please Him. That is a useful point to keep in mind.
