This is the covenant I will establish with the people of Israel after that time, declares the Lord. I will put my laws in their minds and write them on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people. Hebrews 8:10
Contracts are drawn up all the time by two different parties to have written down what is expected by both parties. The purpose of it being written down is so that if there is any discrepancy about what to do, it can be seen and resolved immediately.
Following a contract has nothing to do with the heart, but just a matter of obligation.
Quoting from Jeremiah 31, the author of Hebrews shows that God had planned to make a new covenant with the people. This one would be written on the hearts and minds, so that He would be their God and they His people.
When a law is just a law on paper, but not in the heart, people obey it only when seen and only to keep from getting caught. It is not something that they want to obey, but just have to in order to keep from getting into trouble. Very few people desire to be in trouble.
If the law is not a part of one’s desire, it will be extremely difficult for the person to fully obey it. He will find ways to circumvent the law or just straight out not follow it.
The people of Israel had this problem with God’s Old Testament law.
When Jesus came, God changed how things would be done. Instead of being written just on paper, His law would be on the hearts and minds of the people.
Having the law on the heart and mind, makes one want to obey the law, not forced to. It becomes part of one’s own desire to do.
If you are like most people, you struggle with obeying God’s law. You want to, but often fail.
Allow God to place His law upon your heart. Instead of His law being something you have to do, make it something you desire or want to do.
Hide His law in your heart, so that it becomes a natural part of who you are. It will become easier to obey God, since you know in your heart that He is your God and you are His, not just on paper.
Today I pray that you will know Jesus as your Savior; that you will have God’s commands upon your heart and mind; that you will live to please God; that you will know God’s love for you; and that you will be a part of God’s family.
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