“Whoever has my commands and keeps them is the one who loves me. The one who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love them and show myself to them.”John 14:21
God wants us to know Him, worship and love Him. Obedience is the outward expression of your love for God. The reward for your obedience and love is that Jesus will reveal Himself to you. Jesus is an example of obedience.
“But he comes so that the world may learn that I love the Father and do exactly what my Father has commanded me.” John 14:31
If we want to witness to the world, the reality of the power of Christ and the cross, our lives will be a display of obedience. A love relationship with God requires you to demonstrate your love by obedience. This is not just following the letter of the law, but the spirit of the command as well. If you have an obedience problem, you have a love problem. We must focus on loving God so much we are willing to obey everything He says.
God’s nature is love. He will never function contrary to His nature. God will never give you second best. Like a good Father, He will bring discipline, judgment and wrath on those who continue in sin and rebellion; but His discipline is based on love.
Example:
When I was young, my mother would enforce rules and manners. If we didn’t obey, a spanking was sure to happen.
I remember one time I misbehaved, my mom cried.
“This hurts me more than it hurts you. Why don’t you just obey?”
I knew my rebellion was not loving towards my mom. I did not want to hurt her or myself anymore. My behavior was greatly affected by that moment.
“Because the Lord disciplines the one He loves, and He chastens everyone He accepts as His son.” Hebrews 12:6
My relationship with God determines everything I do. It reveals what I believe about Him because it is impossible to truly believe one way and live another.
If I believe God is love, I will also accept His will. Whenever God guides me, His directions are always Right and Trustworthy. When I trust God (like a child), He will make Himself known to me. Life becomes fulfilling and I won’t have emptiness or lack of purpose God always fills life with Himself.
“In fact, this is love for God: to keep His commands. And His commands are not burdensome.” 1 John 5:3
Example:
I used to live in Chicago, which is an urban war zone (many neighborhoods are infected with gangs.) One day, I went on a ride along with a Police Officer in Cabrini Green. This officer was kind and protective and knew the safest parts of the area to escort me.
What would happen if I said to the officer, “I don’t want you to tell me what to do and where to go. I have free will. Don’t impose your ways on me!” I’m smart enough to know I don’t know anything compared to the experienced officer with professional training on this particular beat. The officer’s directions have the power to preserve my life, which makes me feel safe. This is like God’s commandments! He wants us to have abundant life. He does not want me (or my ignorance) to forefit the best He has for me.
“The Lord commanded us to obey all these decrees and to fear the Lord our God, so that we might always prosper and be kept alive, as is the case today. And if we are careful to obey all this law before the Lord our God, as he has commanded us, that will be our righteousness.” Deuteronomy 6:24-25
Example:
God has sent me a wonderful expression of love through my husband, John. He brings out the best in me. He encourages me, believes in me, stands by me and trusts me. But, God says, “Don’t commit adultery.” Matthew 5:27 Is this commandment meant to restrict or limit me. No! It’s designed to help me and John both experience love and life at it’s best.
Let’s pray to love God better today:
“Heavenly Father,
You’ve given everything to be in relationship with me. You deserve so much more than what I’ve given.
Only a fool would run from your law and wisdom. I repent for being that fool.
I’m exhausted forging this path which leads to nowhere.
Today, I humble myself before you.
I declare I’m mere clay in your mighty, trustworthy, capable hands.
I’ve ignorant and bent towards rebellion.
But not today for the path of your word will light my way.
Obedience is your love language, so I will obey.
You’re The source of true success, contentment and joy. Anything outside of you has nothing good to offer.
I am full and complete in you. In Jesus’ name, seal me with your blood, Amen.”
