Obedience Is Better Than Sacrifice

Today’s Bible readings are 2 Samuel 7:1-8:18, John 14:15-31, Psalm 119:33-48, & Proverbs 15:33

John 14:15

¹⁵ “If you love me, keep my commands.

What exactly does it mean “to love God”? I hear people say on a regular basis that they love Jesus. They may think that they do love Him. The problem is that they don’t show it by the way they live.

I know that this is a hard word to hear, & especially accept, but none the less it is true because Jesus said it. To love Jesus is to obey Him & His teachings. Our love is demonstrated as we make the sacrifice.

When I think about the way He demonstrated His love I am reminded that He did what was uncomfortable. He did what didn’t come easy to Him. He did what hurt. Yet He did it because of love. His love moved Him to do what was difficult. Love should do the same for us.

I know that we often talk about how hard it is to follow the ways of Jesus. I don’t know if I can agree with that way of thinking. It is not hard once we commit to it. The problem comes because there is a part of us that wants to do it a different way. We think that there must be a better, easier, softer way but there is not. The struggle inside will end once we commit to do it His way.

It is our flesh that screams at us. It doesn’t not care to do things Jesus way. Yet, our spirit man does. It longs to please Jesus. The answer is found in denying the flesh & walking in the Spirit. As we surrender to the Spirit obedience flows naturally. As obedience flows, it causes us to grow closer to Christ. That is what our heart desires.

What is it that God is asking you to do that you are having trouble surrendering to?

1.      Is it forgiving someone?

2.      Is it tithing?

3.      Is it serving in the local church?

4.      Is it going back to school?

5.      Is it starting a business?

6.      Is going on a missions trip?

Whatever it is, I want to encourage you to let love move you to the place of surrender. Your love for Jesus is real. Give in to it & let it. You will be glad that you did. Obedience is ALWAYS BETTER than sacrifice.

 

Pastor Richard Schlotter