“If I told you once, I’ve told you a thousand times…” Can you hear yourself exclaiming that?
Everyone would love to not have to repeat instructions. Of course, how quickly we forget that we are also sometimes guilty of not remembering directions. What can help is being led by example and the opportunity to practice. Also, having the desire to obey creates a springboard for the intention to become reality.
The God we serve demands obedience – and he deserves it. Because of his great love for us, knowing we are not able to obey completely, God offered Jesus as the final sacrifice to atone for our sin. This is an overwhelming act of love! We might tend to focus on God’s patience and forgiveness. Let’s be careful to not overlook his holiness.
Have you considered the amazing reasons to obey God? As the masterful, omniscient creator, he knows what is best for us. As the eternal, perfect ruler, he knows what is best for us. As the loving, protective Father, he knows what is best for us. While he is all this and knows our sinful state, he seeks an intimate relationship with us. He wants us to love him. He wants us to honor him. Can you imagine being connected to an incredible being like this? The good news is that we do not have to just imagine that. We can experience this through Jesus!
For God’s chosen people, his directives had been clearly set and reiterated. Addressing Judah’s disobedience through the prophet Jeremiah, God said, “I gave them this command: Obey me, and I will be your God and you will be my people. Walk in obedience to all I command you, that it may go well for you. But they did not listen or pay attention. Instead, they followed the stubborn inclinations of their evil hearts. They went backward and not forward” (Jeremiah 7:23-24 NIV).
God allowed mankind to see Jesus as the perfect model of loving God and obeying him. Jesus told his disciples, “If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love” (John 15:10 NIV). In 1 John 5:3a we read, “In fact, this is love for God: to keep his commands” (NIV).
How can we begin practicing God’s directives, which highlight his loving guidance and gives him glory? May we say like David, “I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you” (Psalm 119:11 NIV).
Disobedience to God creates barriers. Toward God and toward others, sin affects our relationships and ability to love sincerely. In his love, God forgives us. “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9 ESV).
This clears the way for our love to grow.
Let the Heart Training books help you hide God’s Word in your heart!
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