What is your first thought when you hear the word obedience? Do you think of a well trained dog? Do you think of well behaved children? Do you think of strictly following rules? Are you being obedient to God? How can you tell?
We may bristle a little when it comes to obedience. Our perspective may be that we are free thinking people and not a dog to be trained. Yet, we often wish that others were obedient to us, especially our children. We may view obedience as being subservient.
The truth of the matter is, obedience is subservient. Another nugget of truth is that we are all subservient to one master or another. It is not a question of being obedient, it is a question about who we are obedient to. We are either following the evil ways of the world or following the life-giving ways of God.
What causes us to be obedient? Love. If we love the world, we will follow the world’s behavior—selfishness, hatred, anger, prejudice, and being judgmental. If we love God, we will follow Jesus’ command to love one another and do everything based on that love. Love does not mesh well with the world. It stands out as completely different.
If we truly love Jesus, the Father, and are willing to allow the Holy Spirit to guide us, we will obey God’s commands every moment of every day. We will trust God in all situations, not allowing fear and anxiety to rule us. So, we have a choice. We can love God or love the world. Loving both is not an option.
I pray we all choose to love God. I pray we choose to trust God in every situation. I pray each one of us will allow the Holy Spirit to guide us and willingly be different from this world. Obey God’s commands. Follow God’s guidance. Show your love for God with obedience.
John 14:23 Jesus answered him, “Those who love me will keep my word, and my Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them.”
Marty Pressey 