“You do you!”
That’s a phrase that has become popular over the last several years. The point behind it is straightforward: do whatever you enjoy, whatever makes you happy, whatever brings you satisfaction and gratification.
While the phrase has grown in popularity over recent years, the spirit behind it is nothing new. It started way back in Genesis 3 when Adam and Eve chose their own delights and desires in defiance of God’s clear command. From that point on, all of humanity would be born with a sinful, self-centered bent. Like a car with an alignment problem, humanity naturally drifts toward disobedience and rebellion. As it turns out, the only place “you do you” will take you is straight to the scene of the crash.
Moses knew this. That’s why his curtain call to the people of Israel was a call to obedience: “And now, O Israel, listen to the statues and the rules that I am teaching you, and do them, that you may live, and go in and take possession of the land that the Lord, the God of your fathers, is giving you” (Deuteronomy 4:1).
Moses calls Israel to obedience because he knew well the consequences of disobedience. It was his own “you do you” moment that would keep him from setting foot in the land that God was giving Israel (Numbers 20:10-13). Moses’ message was clear: “Obey the Lord! Not only are his commands good, they are for your good!”
Moses’ message to Israel is a timely message for those of us living in a “you do you” world. Obey the Lord! His commands are good. They are not burdensome or restrictive (1 John 5:3). They are for your good, for your flourishing, and ultimately for your joy.
VC Devotionals 