Cues for a Wonderful Life

Scripture: Speak to the Israelites, and tell them to make fringes on the corners of their garments throughout their generations and to put a blue cord on the fringe at each corner. You have the fringe so that, when you see it, you will remember all the commandments of the Lord and do them, and not follow the lust of your own heart and your own eyes. Numbers 15:38-39

Observation: As the Lord continued to give the Israelites instruction, there are times they forget to comply. They have now put to death a man who violated the sabbath, and received procedures about burnt offerings that included what to do if the accidentally forgot to comply. Therefore, the Lord gives them an instruction that is itself a reminder. The Israelites are to have fringes on the corner of their clothes with a little blue cord in them, and seeing this is to remind them of the commandments.

This is a very specific reminder, as it would be very unique. Fringes appear as rough, unfinished edges, and have never been a thing common or desire in clothes. Adding blue requires work - blue is the least common color found in nature and is difficult to produce - so it makes clear that such fringes are on purpose and with a purpose rather than neglect. Thus, this instruction is a very practical manner to assist the Israelites in remembering and thus complying with God's commands.

Application: In the movie "It's a Wonderful Life", uncle Billie ties strings on his fingers to help him remember things ... then repeatedly forgets what the strings are for. Such reminders are meant to be cues to stop and think, but they only work if you actually know what it is you are to think on.

Jews still use this fringe/tassel method to remind themselves to pray to think about the Lord (and I sincerely want a prayer shawl if it is appropriate for a Christian to have). These seem like practical ways to remind us of how near the Lord is to us in our lives, and how we can - and should - interact with him continually.

The Lord regularly gives us such practical advice to help in our daily walk. However, even when we use such cues, we also need to know and be reminded of the lessons and actions we are supposed to be remembering. It does no good to be reminded that God has given us instructions if we then don't know the instructions ... or worse, choose to actively ignore them because they don't fit well into our current activities and worldly desires.

I use notes as my cues, but I often don't follow their instructions or use them to influence my immediate behavior. I should do better at this. The Lord gave us both commands and practical ways to remember to comply as guidance for a wonderful life, if only I would comply.

Prayer: Lord, I desire to obey your decrees and precepts and commands this day, and to pray with you over every challenge and opportunity that comes before me. May I see your reminders to do this today, and may I actually receive those as your generous nudge to take your hand and walk with you. Amen.