“If you love me, you will obey what I command” John 14:15
I was asked a very interesting question this week. One I think most of us have entertained: If all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, how much is enough? How obedient do I need to be?
Accepting Jesus is not just a “go to heaven free” guarantee. While it’s true God loves us immensely (see John 3:16), He desires a relationship with us.
If you are a parent you can relate. You want a relationship with your child and you certainly want him to obey you!
While God wants a relationship with us, and our lips may speak of great love and honor, our actions reveal just how deeply committed to Him we truly are.
If I profess Christ with my mouth on Sunday morning and watch a movie glorifying sin Sunday night, where is my heart?
As James 2:14 tells us, “Faith without works is dead.”
The first thing God expects from us after we accept Christ is to “Love the Lord your God with all you heart, all your mind, all you soul, and all your strength,” Mark 12:30.
The next thing we need to do is obey His commands. (John 14:15)
And when we fail to obey His commands, we need to be humble and admit it and ask for forgiveness.
So the answer to the original question: How obedient do I really need to be?
I need to do everything I can to obey the laws I know. I need to continue reading and studying scripture so I learn more of what God expects of me. I need to spend time talking with Him so our relationship grows.
And I need to obey His laws even when I don’t feel like it or when I am thinking He is temporarily being quiet.
Even when obedience is difficult, remember, God always rewards obedience. And the rewards can be more than you can ever imagine.
Reflections:
1) How would you answer the beginning question: How obedient do I need to be?
2) Evaluate your past week; which of your action was inconsistent with the faith you profess?
3) Determine a plan for rectifying those situations, implement!
4) Identify times in your life when Christianity felt like a bunch of rules. If you no longer feel that way, what changed you view?
5) Pray.
Lord, Please soften my heart towards Your laws. Please strengthen me to stand strong against worldly ideals and actions. Even though “Everyone” may be doing something, You call Your children to obedience, obedience which is always rewarded with blessing.
Please help my heart to focus on You, and desire to serve and obey You. As the psalmist penned, “May the words of my mouth and meditations of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O, Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.” (Psalm 19:14) Amen
Thank you for reading! Thank you to those who wrote to me this week. I am always happy to hear from you and happy to keep your comments confidential, if that is your wish. Please, always feel free to respond to my email address instead of this forum as well.
Please know, I am praying for all of you! Please return by Monday, March 4 for the next post. (March is coming, and so is spring!!!)