“You have commanded us To keep your precepts diligently” (Psalm 119:4). As the psalmist gets into his praise of God’s word and his emphasis on the absolute necessity of honoring that word by consistent obedience to it, he comes forth with this declaration about God’s command.
The command here reminds us of similar words of Jesus in John 14:15 where He says, “If you love me, keep My commandments.”
Our world is filled with people—even religious people—who would rationalize about such commands and try to confuse who God is (a loving Creator) with His divine nature (a just Being around whom sin cannot exist). These wonderful characteristics don’t change His requirement for strict adherence to His will.
There is no better time of year than at the beginning for us to refresh ourselves with this truth. If we truly love the Lord, surely we realize we have an obligation to Him to follow the teachings He has give us.