Are You Enjoying Obedience?

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The word “obey” and the concept of obedience is not one that I hear spoken and discussed in the Christian community as much as I used to. Yet Jesus frequently used it. He said, “Those who know my commands and obey them are the ones who love me, and my Father will love those who love me. I will love them and will show myself to them” (John 14:21NCV).

In Jesus’ mind obedience was connected with love and trust. Unfortunately, because of their sad experience, for many people, obedience is associated with abuse, loss of freedom, and broken trust.

How can anyone who’s experienced these things, under the false claim that this is what God wants, think that obedience could be positive, healthy and enjoyable?

Jesus never calls us to do anything that is evil. He does not tell us to throw away our mind. He tells us to count the cost and fully respects our “yes” or “no”.

Another block to obedience, one I often face, is the resistance of the sin nature (called “the flesh”). Again, Jesus provided for this by giving us the companionship and power of the Holy Spirit.

I “digested” the meaning of all this in a poem, which is a form of prayer for me. I’d love to hear your thoughts on the topic of obedience.

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 It is possible to obey--
 The law with its demands has gone.
 The comfort of grace has come.
 By the Spirit, I trust and obey.
  
 It is delightful to obey--
 For I know by glad experience
 The sweetness of Christ’s presence
 By the Spirit, I trust and obey
  
 It is possible to obey--
 I’m not concerned with pleasing me
 From that bondage, I’m set free
 By the Spirit, I trust and obey
  
 It is powerful to obey--
 Through strength and persistence,
 I conquer my resistance.
 By the Spirit, I trust and obey
  
 It is possible to obey--
 ‘Cause Jesus who kept God’s commands
 Gives me power to follow them
 By the Spirit, I trust and obey.
  
 It is satisfying to obey--
 With a heart full of gratitude
 And joy as my attitude.
 By the Spirit, I trust and obey.

 Jane Ault
 1/23/2019