Things Are Not Always As They Appear

THINGS ARE NOT ALWAYS AS THEY APPEAR

Things are not always as they appear. For example, an empty field may appear to be just that–an empty plot of dirt. However, in a hostile environment, a harmless looking field could in reality be a dangerous minefield. Or, on the other hand, what seems to be nothing but dirt could be a freshly planted garden teeming with life that has just not yet appeared. Examples abound of instances where perception is contrary to reality. A piece of art could be a rare find–or an inexpensive replica. A bowl of luscious looking fruit could actually be made of wax.

People often perceive the Bible to be restrictive–a bunch of fun-quenching rules. However, the contrary is true. The Bible reveals God’s nature, it helps us to know Him and to connect with Him through the Lord Jesus. It teaches us His ways. The commands in the Bible are not restrictive, but protective. They are guardrails to keep us from driving off a cliff. The Bible is full of life. “Every command in the Bible is an invitation to find life.” (The Bible Project).

After Moses led God’s people through the wilderness, they were about to enter the land God promised them. Moses counseled them to be careful to obey God’s commandments. (Deuteronomy 28-30). Obedience to God’s laws and His ways would bring blessing. Disobedience would bring curses. After listing some of the things they could expect from either obedience or disobedience, he encouraged them to choose life. “I set before you today life and prosperity, death and destruction. For I command you today to love the Lord your God, to walk in his ways, and to keep his commands, decrees and laws; then you will live and increase, and the Lord your God will bless you in the land you are entering to possess,” (Deuteronomy 30:15-16).

The general principle holds. Doing things God’s way brings blessing. God blesses obedience. Ignoring His commands, brings destruction. That is not to say a Christian will not encounter problems. Nor does it mean that trouble is always the result of disobedience. Jesus said we could expect trouble in this world. But dependence on the Lord and His strength carries us through the hard things. And application of God’s words to our lives enables us to avoid unnecessary trouble. Walking with Jesus brings a quality of life unknown to unbelievers.

Jesus promised abundant life to His followers (John 10). Love for God is evident by keeping His commandments (John 14:15, John 15:10). His words are full of the Spirit and life (John 6:63). Keeping His commandments results in answered prayer, joy, and a fruitful life (John 15).

Things are not always as they appear. The world offers things that may look attractive, such as wealth, power, and status. But such things do not bring true or lasting fulfillment. Jesus promises eternal life to all who believe in Him. Eternal life begins now in having a personal relationship with Him (John 17:3). It includes living now with purpose, and enjoying rich relationships with other believers. It includes joy. These are things that far outweigh the tangible, but temporary, riches many pursue. The life-giving words of the Bible offer true riches.

I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. John 10:10

How have you found God’s commandments to be life-giving? Please leave a comment below.

Blessings,
Phyllis

© 2026 Phyllis L. Farringer

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