Safe Obedience
This devotional was written by Leslie Snyder
If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed my Father's commands and remain in his love. —John 15:10
I’ve often wondered if my kids listen to the many reminders I give them about obedience. More than once (a day, sometimes) I hear myself repeat the words, “when I ask you to do something, I expect you to do it the first time.”
Some years ago, we were walking out of a favorite fast food restaurant on our way to a school concert. We exited the door by the drive thru lane. One daughter was on my right, one on my left, and the baby in my arms. As we approached the curb, I noticed that the large SUV in the drive-thru lane was not slowing down, nor did the driver seem to notice us. With one free hand I grabbed the daughter on my right but had to yell “Stop!” to the one on my left. She froze as the SUV continued driving inches away from her; the driver finally noticed my daughter in her rear view mirror. Without a doubt, immediate obedience saved my daughter’s life.
Most people don’t like the practice of obedience, especially once we reach adulthood. We strive to be independent, making our own choices, uninfluenced by others. Yet, obedience is what Christ requires of us. 1 John 5:2 reads, “By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and obey his commandments.” Obedience is so important to God that Saul lost his kingdom due to disobedience (1 Samuel 15:22).
We can freely choose obedience or disobedience. Choosing obedience isn’t about mindlessly following rules and hoping when this life is through, we have been more obedient than disobedient. Choosing obedience is coming to the place in our lives when we learn that to do what God asks of us is to trust that He knows what is best. Walking in obedience is the safest path for our journey.
It all boils down to a matter of the heart. When our lives are touched and changed by God, we have the power to say “yes” to obedience. Sure, we might stumble and fall along the way, but with God’s Spirit within us, we can get up, dust ourselves off and get back on the right path. Today, I encourage you to place your trust in God, demonstrated by a life of obedience!
GOING DEEPER:
1. What areas of your life are you most likely to be disobedient to God? Why?
2. What steps can you take today to move yourself towards walking in closer obedience to God?
FURTHER READING:
1 Samuel 15:1-35; Romans 6:16-18; Luke 6:46
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