Blessings, Curses and Our Daily Bread

 “See, I set before you this day a blessing and a curse: a blessing for obeying the commandments of the Lord, your God, which I give you today;  a curse if you do not obey the commandments of the Lord, your God, but turn aside from the way I command you today, to go after other gods, whom you do not know. (Deuteronomy 11:26-28)
 
Could it really be this simple? Obedience to the commandments of God brings blessings, and disobedience brings curses? In theory it is simple, but in practice it can get complicated. “Curses” often appear to be good for us, and appeal to our senses. Addictions often begin through attraction to the “shiny objects” of pleasure that vie for our attention. A quick decision, made in haste, can yield many problems. A decision made through careful discernment can potentially bring multiple blessings. The parable of the two sons from the Gospel of Matthew underscores the value of choosing the blessings associated with doing God’s will:
 
“What is your opinion? A man had two sons. He came to the first and said, ‘Son, go out and work in the vineyard today. ‘He said in reply, ‘I will not,’ but afterwards he changed his mind and went. The man came to the other son and gave the same order. He said in reply, ‘Yes, sir,’ but did not go. Which of the two did his father’s will?” They answered, “The first.” Jesus said to them, “Amen, I say to you, tax collectors and prostitutes are entering the kingdom of God before you. When John came to you in the way of righteousness, you did not believe him; but tax collectors and prostitutes did. Yet even when you saw that, you did not later change your minds and believe him.” (Mt. 21:28-32)
 
The Lord’s prayer underscores the importance of turning to God for the “daily bread” of conversion in our lives. Even if there are scores of curses in our past, we can change course in the new day we’re given by turning away from sin and turning toward God to receive the fullness of His blessings waiting to be discovered.