Digging Deeper – Love Obeys
It was by faith that Abraham obeyed when God called him to leave home and go to another land that God would give him as his inheritance. He went without knowing where he was going.
Hebrews 11:8 (NLT)
LOVE OBEYS
Moms and dads out there know this well: parenting is tough! So much of our time as parents in those early years is spent being “the bad guy.” In fact, if we’re doing our job well, our kids won’t be fooled into thinking we are their friends as they grow up.
My wise friend and former co-worker, Eddie Bishop, shared the key to being a great parent many years ago. He said, “I told my kids when they were growing up that I was not their friend. Instead, I wanted to parent in such a way that I’d want to be their friend later, when they were adults.”
Good parents understand the painful and arduous process of laying the necessary groundwork for kids to grow and develop into respectful, God-honoring young men and women. And the most important quality – the one moms and dads emphasize above all others – is obedience. At the end of the day, parents want kids to do as they are asked (or told).
We, as believers, take that cue from Jesus, who stated plainly on many occasions where he stands on this topic:
“Those who accept my commandments and obey them are the ones who love me. And because they love me, my Father will love them. And I will love them and reveal myself to each of them… All who love me will do what I say. My Father will love them, and we will come and make our home with each of them. Anyone who doesn’t love me will not obey me.” John 14:21, 23-24 (NLT)
What does obedience demonstrate? Love. Not belief. Not intentions. Not even “being nice.” Obedience trumps everything. But which commandments is Jesus referring to? Sure, you can point to the Covenant handed down through Moses to God’s people (the Ten Commandments); but Jesus raises the bar further and makes it personal when talking to his 12 closest friends:
“This is my commandment: Love each other in the same way I have loved you.” John 15:12 (NLT)
Jesus was obedient to the point of death on the cross. Why? His love for God the Father, and his love for his friends (and for you and me). Jesus said these are the two greatest commandments!
Obedience isn’t easy. It requires faith and trust, which can only be developed through a relationship. If you’re finding obedience is not central to your walk with the Lord, my prayer for you is that you’ll make some time to spend with Him today to have a real conversation. Lay it all at His feet. The more time you spend with Him, the more you’ll love Him. And your obedience will follow!
C.A. Phillips serves as Communications Pastor and Director of Men’s Groups at NorthStar Church. He is a graduate of the Henry W. Grady School of Journalism at the University of Georgia, and he loves the Dawgs and the Atlanta Braves. He has two (grown) boys and lives in Kennesaw with his wife, Amy, and their German Shepherd, Abby.
