Joyful Obedience

The rewards of obedience can be exciting, and they’re worthy of consideration, especially at a time of the year when many re-evaluate their lives and make resolutions.

But human nature resents restraints. After all, who gets excited about obedience if it means doing something we would rather not do—or not doing something we would like to do?

Nevertheless, listen to this picture of obedience and see if it isn’t exciting. Jesus said, "If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you . . . If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love. . . . "(Jn. 15:67,10a NKJV)

Obedience to God is exciting because it’s part of our relationship with Almighty God. If we disobey Him, our love for Him and our relationship with Him wanes. But if we love God our relationship leads us into a life of joyful obedience

Originally published December 30, 1988.