the Strength to Obey

Obedience.

This word means many things to different people: for some it is a scary even dirty word, while others totally disregard it in any form, while others struggle with it but do sincerely try.

• Obedience isn’t to be feared if it is given, asked, taken, followed, submitted too through the thoughtful, loving, directed guidelines of Scripture.
• Obedience is one of the foundational virtues that Jesus forms in those He calls. He gives us the strength to obey as we make the choice to obey.
• Obedience is one of the chief ways we demonstrate our love for God. Not singing Christian songs. Not going to church services. Not having quiet times. Not taking mission trips or doing loving things for others. Yes, yes, yes, all of these are fabulous, needed things –you should be singing to your Lord for that is one way you can give Him worship. You should be active in your local church, for that is where you use your God-given talent(s). You should be having daily devotions/quiet time alone with your Lord, for without that time with Him, how will you grow? Taking missions trips will change your life forever (spiritually and mentally for you see more than yourself, your needs, your world, and you see God, His people and souls that need Him)! We should be loving others — to our brothers and sisters in Christ, as well as loving souls so much that we tell them about our incredible Savior so that they may know Him too! But do you hear what Jesus said:

“If you love me, keep my commands” (John 14:15).

• Don’t you see?
• If you love HIM first and foremost all those other things fall into place. (the small list above for example)

“But seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and (and then) all these things shall be added into you” (Matt. 6:33).

Our list isn’t finished yet…

• Some, in our finite beings, have chosen to accept, believe, and trust wholeheartedly what biblical obedience is; what it looks like, and how it is to be given or asked. Not because they think they are super spiritual but because they have chosen before God that despite what their flesh tells them, despite what they were falsely taught (unknowingly and knowing), how they feel, or what has happened to them in the past, God’s way is the only perfect way. God knows what He is talking about, God is God, therefore, obedience to Christ to non negotiable. He is Truth!

Obedience in Christ brings freedom.

In Christ I am SHE {Saved. Hopeful. Empowered.}