Obey. That word keeps cropping up in my alone time with the Lord. It is not a word that I like. I didn't even want to write about it. Something in me rises up and feels so rebellious towards it.
This is actually, the war within me. The war between my flesh (my personal desires) and the Spirit. It is a daily battle. My selfishness, my natural inclination to please my self, is always there waiting to crop up and pounce on any opportunity. The opportunities abound don't they? And the reality is my selfishness usually leads to things that are harmful to myself and others! Seriously!
It takes such attention, intentionality and care to stop and listen and follow the Other Voice within. The Voice of the One Who knows me best, Who knows what is best for me, my Creator, the Lover of my soul. The One Who sent His Son to live and die for me. That Voice. I need to constantly tune my ear to Him. But I don't. Therein lies the work.
The wonder of Him living in me, giving me the option to override myself. What an amazing gift. God knew that no set of rules and regulations could do it. We can not self manage. Only He in me can do it. He made a way. He is at work in us, as believers!
Philippians 2:12-13 Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.
Jesus said in John 14:15, and a bunch of other places, "If you love Me, you will obey what I command." The outflow of our love is to obey Jesus. How do we know what He commands? We need to hang out with Him, in His Word and in prayer. We need to listen to Him. It's personal, relational!
As I choose to listen and follow His ways, something changes in me. It is little by little but somehow I live beyond my circumstances. It becomes all about Him and me. I think that is what Jesus meant when He said, “I have loved you even as the Father has loved me. Remain in my love. When you obey my commandments, you remain in my love, just as I obey my Father’s commandments and remain in his love. I have told you these things so that you will be filled with my joy. (from John 15)
I am so not there yet. It does not come easily. I get so disappointed with myself. But God seems to just keep working with me and in me. No condemnation. Just correction and encouragement to keep on trying. So patient, so faithful and so loving. I think we should see the word obedience as a gift. A pathway to being at home, our true home, with the Lord.
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