Growing in Obedience

Jesus replied, “Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching.” John 14:23

I shared with you last month about our journey in Children’s Church to “Grow up in Christ.” I find myself excited every week to reveal another truth in the process of growing in Christ. When I taught the lesson on obedience I really exaggerated the definition to the children. To obey means to willing and immediately do what you have been asked. The children seem to understand what obey means but they struggle with the immediate part. I think as adults we do too. At least I know I do.

Our willing and immediate obedience will come from our love for God. Our struggle whether you are a child or an adult comes from self-centeredness and the influence of the world that makes disobedience seem appealing or at the very least, not devastating. The Bible teaches us that if we love God we will obey His commands. There is no middle ground and no fence to ride on. You either obey or you don’t. If we are negotiating with God we are not immediately doing what he asks. Obedience is willingness and immediacy.

Jesus set the example for us. Jesus was obedient to his parents and he obeyed God through baptism. When Jesus was tempted His obedience to God’s Word is what sent Satan on his way. Do you want to know what God’s commands are? Read His Word. Do you want to know what God expects you to do with your life? Ask Him. It is easy to believe there is a God, almost everyone does. But not everyone will enter in to Heaven, you must be born again. I teach the children the ABC’s of salvation.

A – Admit you are a sinner B – Believe Jesus is the Son of God, He died on the cross for our sins and is alive and coming back for us some day C – Confess Jesus is your Lord and lives in your heart

Follow Christ’s example in obedience. Seek what God desires for you, Salvation, Baptism and Love for others. Show God how much you love Him, obey what God is speaking to you today.

For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments; and His commandments are not burdensome. For whatever is born of God overcomes the world; and this is the victory that has overcome the world-our faith. 1 John 5:3 & 4

Pastor Julia Scott