Tag: obedience

The Timing of Obedience

“Karen, when I ask you to do something, I mean now!”

I grew up hearing those words from parents, teachers, bosses. And they meant it – stop what you are doing and do as I said!

Where is my sense of immediacy when it comes to what God tells me to do?

Just this morning (not unlike other mornings), my Father asked me to write. I heard Him. I understood the assignment. I have the necessary skills and resources.

But, I needed to clean the cat box. It is trash day. I needed to pull weeds because, it’s trash day. Then I needed to do some laundry. You know – just because it was there. Then I needed to vacuum because I hadn’t in a while.

All the while I was having a discussion in my head. Was that really You, Lord? Was it my voice or Yours? You wouldn’t really want me to put the vacuum down and leave the job unfinished, would You? That wouldn’t make any sense.

I saw my daughter in law texted and asked me to call her. My lawn guy said he was coming tomorrow. These things needed acknowledgment!

And then there was work I had to follow up on. It’s been over two hours since the initial direction was given. And I’m just now being obedient.

Lord, please forgive me. I repent for the 100th time – for the same thing. For disobedience. Which ultimately is the result of me not trusting You. Thank you for your patience.

And yes, I see that post it note on my monitor. And now I can answer, yes!

Because I love you…

We all know that we use the word love with a variety of meanings.

I love finding the perfect parking spot. I love clean sheets. I love Xena, the wonder dog. I love my kids/grands and Tim.

I also love God.

Why is it so easy for me to do things for Tim/kids/grands – even Xena because of my love for them but, not so easy for me to do things for God. *OUCH*

Obedience is one way to show God that I love Him. Not because I think he will punish me if I don’t. But because I love Him, I will do what He asks. I know that in my head. Please, Lord, let it penetrate my heart and my will.

Scripture is loaded with reminders of obedience and love.

John 15:10 – When you obey my commandments, you remain in my love….

John 14:23 – Jesus replied, “All who love me will do what I say.”

Obedience can be defined as compliance with an order, request, or law or submission to another’s authority. I want to be fully submitted to the authority of God. He has created me (and you) on purpose and for a purpose. He has good plans and can be trusted. Why do I continue to disobey – or in other words, why do I rebel?

Let’s go back to scripture.

Luke 6:46 – “So why do you keep calling me ‘Lord, Lord!’ when you don’t do what I say?

1 Samuel 15:23 – Rebellion is as sinful as witchcraft, and stubbornness as bad as worshiping idols.

Egad!

Lord, once again, I’m convicted of my rebellion and stubbornness. Thank you, Lord, that there is NO CONDEMNATION! Thank you for your forgiveness. Change my heart, Lord. Remind me again and again that YOU alone are worthy. YOU can be trusted. I don’t have to understand. I just need to trust.