For, Not From
God wants good for us. God doesn’t need anything from us.
If you love me you will keep my commandments. John 14: 15
From this statement and from others like it throughout the Bible sometimes we conclude that God benefits from our keeping God’s commandments. God doesn’t need anything from us, though.
Where we you when I laid the foundation of earth? Tell me if you understand. Who determined its measurements - surely you know? Or who stretched the line upon it?
On what were its bases sunk, or who laid its cornerstone when the morning stars sang together and all the heavenly beings shined for joy? Job 38: 4-7 If I were hungry I would not tell you for the world and all that is in it is mine. Psalm 50: 12
God’s commands are for us, for our benefit. God’s commands describe how to embrace life, how to receive and give good. The benefit to God is that we, the people God creates, the people God loves, experience good, not destruction. Who wants to see someone we love experience destruction? The benefit to us is that we, the people God creates, experience good, not destruction. God’s instructions for us are for our benefit. They are the answer key to the test question: How can I have a good life?
For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for your welfare and not for your harm, to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29: 11
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