Remind the people … to be obedient …
Summary: Obedience is a challenge. There are many people and rules that we are supposed to obey. We now have more rules in our country than any one person can know, let alone obey. Yet our willingness to obey still sets us apart from the worldly.
Are you obedient? To whom? Who is it you are supposed to obey?
As we go through life, the answer to this question changes. When we are little, we are supposed to obey our parents (Exodus 20:12). Then, as we grow, we are asked to obey our teachers, coaches, administrators, etc. If we enter military service, there is a clearly defined hierarchy of people to obey. In civilian life, we are to be obedient to our bosses, the police, judges, tax officials, and hundreds of others.
Of course, if we get married, we submit to spouses and in-laws. The list goes on and on. If you want to get technical, we are also to obey stop signs and traffic signals, copyright laws, store rules, interstate regulations, etc.
I should quit with the list-making. These lists could get depressing. There are a lot of people and rules that we are supposed to obey.
In my work as an inspector (someone else that is supposed to be obeyed!), I once had to check on the installation of a fire hydrant. It was in a rural part of town, and the weather was nice out. There was no one else around, so I struck up a conversation with the young man doing the work.
He had a Slavic accent and said he had immigrated to the United States with his parents. I asked where his parents lived, and I was surprised to learn that they had moved back to Russia. When I asked why they would do that, his answer stunned me. “Too many rules here,” he said.
Obeying the rules can be a challenge. Even more so if you do not even know what the rules are. The principle here is to be obedient. To obey even when the rules and laws are onerous or nonsensical. As with being subject to rulers and authorities, being obedient sets God’s family apart from the worldly.
People of the world serve their self-interest. If I serve myself, then I will almost always be in conflict with any other authority. The difference in attitude between God’s people and the worldly becomes obvious. One who is obedient because they serve God will stand out. The worldly stand out for another reason. They are disobedient or grudging in obedience.
God wants it to be that way. He wants it to be obvious that his people are different (Ephesians 2). By obeying human authorities, we demonstrate that we are serving not ourselves, but God.
Application: Examine your attitude towards obedience to others. It will reveal how mature you are in your service to God.
Food for Thought: Where does disobedience lead to?
John 14: 15 – 21.
This is where obedience leads to or comes from. I am thinking disobedience does the opposite. It is not loving God and rejects the Holy Spirit’s promptings.
Rich,
I agree. If obedience leads to God, disobedience leads us away from God.
In this world,.. disobedience leads to jail,..or some hefty fines,..
So true!
Where does disobedience lead to?
We each have a unique genetic code determined by God and are born into the environment He has predestined by His foreknowledge prior to creation. We are born with no concern for anyone other than ourselves, selfcentered. It is a human survival mechanism, the power of the flesh in each of us. We cry when we are hungry, have an uncomfortable diaper, or want to be held and have no concern for what others are doing. We are number One.
Both our heredity and environment have influence over shaping our lives for Gods purposes. At some point in our lives the Holy Spirit of God begins calling us for a spiritual response, to His revealed truth and we each respond at unique times. Bottom line is we are all born into sin and anyone living as a believer today has been called out of sin, into the righteousness of God and live by faith given to us by the Holy Spirit.
The only exception to this is Jesus Christ, the only Begotten Son of God.
John 16:8, 2 Corinthians 7:9-10, 7:14, Ephesians 2:1-5
As believers we are set free from the power of all sin. We are no longer slaves bound to sin, and are now able to pursue our calling which is to serve God rather than satan, man or the desires of our own flesh. Sin will be tempting as we seek to obey God. There will be frustrations, problems, moments of anger, possible addiction issues and more. God is our refuge and we must turn to him, His Truths as quickly as possible, the temptation will flee. God tells us we cannot serve two masters and we will always be serving one or the other. Life as a believer is a series of choices. Some moment by moment, others day by day. We can be at peace serving God, or like a dog returning to his own vomit, we can return to our old ways, GOD WIII NOT BE WITH US. All disobedient choices and actions will have no place in heaven no eternal value and will be burnt.
Luke 16:13-15, 2 Chronicles 7:14, James 4:7, Proverbs 26:11
Those choosing to live a life in disobedience, to disobey, reject Gods offer of salvation, the conviction by the Holy Spirit of sin, righteousness and judgement, by hardening their hearts knowing judgement is coming, will receive what they choose, separation from God, eternal separation from God, also known as Hell.
John 12:48,16:8-11, Jeremiah 6:16, Hebrews 12:25, Isiah 66:4, Romans 6:23
Ron,
You make the point that self-centeredness is actually a survival mechanism. You call it “the power of the flesh.” I think this is true. It is also a trap which Jesus provides release from. Very interesting points!
Brother Jeff,
Kinda like puppies, they’re all cute, gotta teach them everything, some learn, some don’t. Our God is awesome!
Blessings,
Ron
LOL!
Thank Ron! You can’t go wrong with puppies!! 🙂