Some Regard Obedience Like It Is a Dirty Word

“But what do you think? A man had two sons, and he came to the first and said, ‘Son, go, work today in my vineyard.’ He answered and said, ‘I will not,’ but afterward he regretted it and went. Then he came to the second and said likewise. And he answered and said, ‘I go, sir,’ but he did not go. Which of the two did the will of his father?” - Matthew 21:28-31

Isn't that an interesting parable? One son says "no", but obeys and the other says "yes" but does not. Obedience is more than saying the right things or having the right attitude. I have always struggled with Jonah's attitude. He refused to go to Nineveh, so the Lord put him in the belly of a whale. He did preach but that was not something he wanted to do. He obeyed God.

In the military, we were taught that you disagree with the "boss" to the point of decision. It is his responsibility and by his authority that he decides on matters. Same with God. Anyway, once the decision is made, we embrace it as our own. We do not undermine our boss. Speaking against his decision. Saying things like, "The boss said we have to do thus and so." I would speak as if it were my idea. (I think that may be where the Twitter employees got into trouble with their new boss.)

"Jesus answered and said to him, If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him." - John 14:23

As a Christian do you regard obedience as something you have to do or something you want to do? With regard to God, obedience is an expression of love. Dr. Blackaby said that if you struggle with obedience it is because you have a love problem. You don't love God enough. God is never wrong, unlike me and you. If you don't like what God says, then you disagree with the Truth and that does not change the fact that it is truth. As an old boss of mine would say, "You have the right to be wrong." refusing to obey is not trivial.

"Therefore, to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin." - James 4:17

 

Think about it – Pray about it – Believe it – Walk in it. Let your light shine and give God the glory.

By Faith Alone By His Grace Alone And For His Glory Alone