Janie had been rude and disobedient and refused to follow her mother’s instructions. Wanting her to learn the importance of being obedient, and the necessity of prayer, her mother sent her to her room asking her to talk with God and pray for His help. In a few moments, she returned to the kitchen, where her mother was preparing the evening meal.
“Mom,” she announced, “I prayed about my disobedience.”
“Good,” said her mother. “Did you ask God to help you to be kind and obedient?”
“No, Mom, I didn’t,” she answered. “Instead, I asked Him to help you put up with me.”
Jesus said something important about obedience: “Whoever has my commands and obeys them, he is the one who loves me.” He also said, “If you love Me, you will keep my commands.” There is always a connection in Scripture between love and obedience.
If we say that we love God, we will demonstrate that love by being obedient to Him and following His teachings. When we look at the life of Jesus, we see a relationship between a Father and His Son, founded on love and reflected in obedience. His life set the standard for us to follow.
It was the sinless and sacrificial life of Jesus that ultimately shows us what obedience to God requires. When we waver in our willingness to obey Christ, we must examine our commitment to Him and be willing and courageous to do what He asks us to do no matter what it costs us.
Prayer: Help us, Heavenly Father, in our struggle to be obedient to You. We know that self-centeredness often overwhelms us. Give us Your strength to persevere. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Scripture For Today: Whoever has my commands and obeys them, he is the one who loves me. John 14:21
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