TO LOVE IS TO OBEY
03rd Sep 2014
I was surrounded by people who were declaring their love for God in very emotional ways, and to be honest, I felt nothing. I knew I loved Father God and He loved me. I knew that Jesus had died to make that relationship possible. I was thankful and growing in the enormity of such love - but uneasy, wondering if there was something wrong or lacking in me.
I knew the possibility of deception, and yet felt that I was walking in love and harmony with God’s Holy Spirit, not aware of anything that was a barrier, or something I had disobeyed or an unconfessed sin. So I went to discuss the problem with the leader of the Christian community of which I was a part. His answer was both simple and profound; he said, “The only test of our love for God is obedience.” Jesus said, “If you love me, you will obey what I command.” (John 14:15)
I have sought to live with obedience to the written Word and the personal word of the Spirit, who promises to instruct and correct me. There are promises of blessing associated with obedience; in Jeremiah 7:23 in The Message it says, “Live the way I tell you. Do what I command so that your lives will go well.”
Let’s make sure that our love for “God” - the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the maker of Heaven and earth is founded on reality, not only emotion. I am thrilled when people come back from Summer Camps and Conferences excited and passionate - but I also want to see a new seriousness regarding the Word of God both ‘logos’ and ‘rhema’.
Sometimes it is good to spring clean, take stock and check out our obedience level. Are we doing uncommanded work and wondering why we are exhausted? Has God spoken to us and we haven’t done what he asked?
If you love Me, you will obey Me!
by Joyce Sibthorpe
