Obedience such a loaded term in the 21st Century!

I looked up in the word obedience in the dictionary and it defines obedience as following the rules or those in authority. I believe that this provides only a partial story because it does not suggest why we might want to follow this process. As Christians I believe the "why" is almost as important as the action itself! This weeks author George Fox (1621-1691) a Puritan who founded the Quakers thinks along the same lines.

For George the first and most important reason for our obedience is that it glorifies our Heavenly Father. That our chosen lifestyle of obedience to the "Truth" brings glory to God through our actions rather than just our words....his renown may be seen in you and among you". He suggests that obedience brings guidance and nourishment to our souls. Our obedience to the word of Truth would govern our behaviour, how we do life as individuals, families and faith communities. As I look at some of the ways the wider body of Christ behaves in all its roles I don't always see that obedience being reflected. I can't always see the difference between us and the rest of the world. That saddens me and if it saddens me, it must make the Father weep! Looking at the way we behave sometimes, if Jesus came again "incognito", would he a want to be Christian? I am not so sure!!

I personally believe that our obedience is part of our worship.  By being obedient to the "logos" word and the "rhema" word we show honour and worship to our King, Our actions as well as our words. It is simply put in John 14:21  "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."



Deuteronomy 28  also covers Obedience

 Following along the statement from John, the next result I see is that of "blessing". We are blessed with HIS presence in our lives first and foremost.  Deuteronomy 30 suggests That we will also be blessed in other ways when we follow his commands and statutes. God will bless us in the land, we will live long and multiply. This passage suggests it is as cut and dried as Life and Death and implores us to chose Life.

Which will you chose!

For me I come back to Joshua 24:15
But if serving the LORD seems undesirable to you, then chose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your forefathers served beyond the River or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD.

A choice I make every morning!