Is It Really That Hard to Keep God's Commandments?

Many people wonder if following God's commandments is truly difficult or if it’s just a matter of commitment. The question often arises because, despite good intentions, people find themselves struggling to live according to these divine guidelines. This post explores why keeping God's commandments can feel challenging and offers practical insights to help understand and overcome these difficulties.

An open Bible symbolizing guidance and commandments

Understanding the Nature of God's Commandments

God's commandments are often seen as clear rules for living a moral and meaningful life. They cover areas such as honesty, kindness, respect, and faithfulness. These commandments are not arbitrary; they are designed to promote harmony, justice, and love among people.

However, the challenge lies in the fact that these commandments require more than just intellectual agreement. They call for consistent action and transformation of the heart. For example, the commandment to "love your neighbor as yourself" demands empathy and selflessness, which can be difficult when personal interests or emotions get in the way.

Why Following Commandments Feels Hard

Several factors contribute to the difficulty of keeping God's commandments:

• Human Nature: People naturally have desires and impulses that sometimes conflict with moral laws. For instance, impatience or anger can make forgiveness tough.

• Cultural Influences: Society often promotes values that clash with biblical teachings, such as materialism or individualism.

• Lack of Immediate Reward: Unlike some worldly rules, the benefits of following God's commandments may not be instantly visible, which can discourage perseverance.

• Complex Situations: Life presents complicated scenarios where applying commandments is not straightforward, such as balancing honesty with kindness.

  
  

Practical Examples of Challenges

Consider the commandment against bearing false witness. In everyday life, this means telling the truth even when it might cause discomfort or loss. For example, an employee might hesitate to report a colleague’s mistake fearing workplace tension. This shows how social dynamics can make obedience difficult.

Another example is the commandment to honor your parents. In cases where family relationships are strained, showing respect can be emotionally taxing. Yet, the commandment calls for respect regardless of circumstances, which requires patience and grace.

How to Make Keeping Commandments More Achievable

While the challenges are real, there are ways to make following God's commandments more manageable:

• Focus on One Commandment at a Time

Trying to change everything at once can be overwhelming. Concentrate on one area, such as honesty or kindness, and build from there.

• Seek Support from Community

Being part of a faith community provides encouragement and accountability. Sharing struggles and successes helps maintain motivation.

• Pray for Strength and Guidance

Many find that prayer helps align their will with God’s and provides the strength to overcome temptations.

• Reflect on the Positive Impact

Remembering how obeying commandments improves relationships and personal peace can inspire continued effort.

• Learn from Role Models

Studying the lives of people who exemplify obedience to God’s commandments offers practical examples and hope.

The Role of Grace and Forgiveness

It’s important to recognize that perfection is not expected. Everyone falls short at times. The concept of grace means that God understands human weakness and offers forgiveness. This does not excuse disobedience but encourages persistence without despair.

Knowing that mistakes are part of the journey can reduce the pressure and help people keep trying. It also fosters humility and reliance on God’s help rather than self-reliance alone.

Encouragement for the Journey

Keeping God's commandments is a lifelong process that involves growth and learning. The difficulty does not mean failure but highlights the need for ongoing effort and support. Many who have walked this path testify that the rewards—inner peace, stronger relationships, and a sense of purpose—are worth the struggle.

If you find it hard to keep God’s commandments, you are not alone. Take small steps, seek help, and remember that change takes time. The journey itself is valuable and transformative.

This Post was created using AI

Please comment your thoughts and feedback is important and appreciated!

George Carr Jr.