OBEDIENCE....#3 in Holy Spirit series 

"Whoever has my commandments and obeys them he is the one who loves me."John 14.21

Tozer said: "The most important thing about anyone, is what they think -- when they think about God. To think of God as less than .. or other than..He is, is idolatry." Sproul said: "The holiness of God is the most important idea that a Christian can consider. Taken together, these two statements cause me to realize that obedience is not optional. If I perceive God to be as He is...then anything other than implicit obedience is insanity. 

OBEDIENCE IS "proper submission to authority, " obeying the rules. It has to do with knowing plus doing. Webster says it is "compliance with a known command."It is the foundation of character....and is a choice of the will. It is the opposite of having my own way. Disobedience is rebellion, it is shaking your fist at God. The biggest fundamental problem in the world...is the lack of respect for authority. Obedience is learned...not acquired. "Jesus learned obedience...." 

PARTIAL OBEDIENCE IS DISOBEDIENCE. 

Consider these: "Abide in me." "Make no provision for the flesh." "Work heartily as to the Lord." "Humble yourselves." How about: Love God with all your heart..soul, mind body?? Or.. "..study to show yourself approved to God....in everything give thanks....&.pray without ceasing." James says: "count it all joy" when my life is full of difficulties." Do I? Question: Could we be walking through our daily living, constantly being disobedient in many areas?

Obedience is the only door into the place where God reveals Himself! Worship and obedience are more than related, they are almost synonymous! Think about it! Why obey God?...because no one can be controlled by the Holy Spirit of God without implicit, deliberate, conscious, continuous, willing obedience to our loving, mighty, sovereign God. The bedrock motivation of obedience....is love for God. Therefore, the very sad truth is that lack of obedience is a product of lack of love for Him. If you are one of the 'few' who are serious about abiding in Christ --- ask God to teach you the incredible importance of obedience. 

bh May 26, 2007
Blog: http://blog.bertsgoodstuff.com