Psalms 78:6 “That the generation to come might know them, even the children which should be born; who should arise and declare them to their children: 7 That they might set their hope in God, and not forget the works of God, but keep his commandments: 8 And might not be as their fathers, a stubborn and rebellious generation; a generation that set not their heart aright, and whose spirit was not stedfast with God.”
To “keep” God’s “commandments” is to be worshipfully obedient to His Holy Word. Our Lord tells us that our obedience to His “commandments” is an expression of our “love” for Him (John 14:15). And, John tells us that, “this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous” (I John 5:3). Because we “love” Him, it is most pleasing to keep “his commandments”. The Psalmist put it this way, “I delight to do thy will, O my God: yea, thy law is within my heart.” (Psalms 40:8). The best way to say THANKYOU and I LOVE YOU to our God is to “be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God” (Romans 12:2); that is, discipline ourselves to think and live according to His Holy Word. Because we are human, we also have a carnal nature that is often attracted to things and thoughts and behaviors that are contrary to the Word of God; but, the more versed we are in the Word of God, the better able we are to reject the carnal temptations of this present world and to faithfully follow the Lord. Paul refers to it as putting “off” “the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; …” (Ephesians 4:22), putting “off” “anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth” (Colossians 3:8), and putting “off” “the old man with his deeds” (Colossians 3:9); but, we are to “put on” “Christ” (Galatians 3:27), “put on” “the new man” (Ephesians 4:24), “put on” “the whole armour of God” (Ephesians 6:11), and “put on” “as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; 13 Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. 14 And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.” (Colossians 3:12-14). Always remember, that just a few hours before our Lord was Crucified, He lovingly said to us, “If ye love me, keep my commandments.” (John 14:15)!