Jerry Maxfield, Guest Contributor
“Jesus replied, ‘Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching.…’” John 14:23
Obedience. True obedience involves having our will tested according to God’s command and being found victorious.
Adam’s will was initially tested in the Garden of Eden. Eve had been deceived by the serpent, who we know to be Satan, by half-truths and outright lies. He had especially appealed to Eve’s pride. Eve then approached Adam. Adam absolutely knew better than to eat of that fruit, as God had given His commandment to him, even before Eve had been created! But Adam directly disobeyed God’s instruction and thereby created a knowledge of good vs evil and right vs wrong for you and me today. God had protected man from that awareness up until then.
Because of that original sin, we are suffering the consequences. Many, many times each day we must decide whether in those particular instances to obey God’s command or not. Jesus said, “If you love Me, you will obey My commandments”…His teachings…His example.
Do we always do the right thing?
Unfortunately, not, even though as believers we may have repeatedly professed our love for Jesus. In His love for us, Jesus made a way to restore us to righteousness. That is why we call Him Savior! He took our sins–past, present, and future–upon Himself…and died doing so. His death served as the atonement for our sins once and for all. His resurrection verified and confirmed that act of sacrifice.
You and I must keep “short accounts” with the Lord. We must confess our sin, repent, and turn from them to keep our hearts supple and receptive to His leading. Oh, we will continue to be tested, but Jesus, in His sovereignty and wisdom, left us a Comforter and Guide in the Holy Spirit. He is that “still small voice” within our hearts and minds, encouraging us to choose the right way. Listen and obey!
May the Lord be your strength as you express your love for Him through obedience.
DIG DEEPER
Read “A Simple Act of Obedience” by Jonathan Munson
