God's Glory Church

“As one who loves Me, he will keep My word.” —John 14:23
Winters in the Netherlands rarely bring much snow, but it can be quite cold. When my husband, Tom, was growing up there, his parents made it a family rule: “Don’t go out on the ice until it’s thick enough to support the weight of a horse.” Since the horses left traces of their presence, Tom and his friends decided to take the manure from the road. They threw him onto the thin ice and ventured out onto the ice surface. They were not hurt, no one discovered them, but deep down they knew that they had disobeyed.

Obedience is not always natural. The choice to obey or disobey may stem from a sense of duty or fear of punishment. We can also choose to submit out of love and respect to those in authority over us.

In the 14th chapter of the Gospel of John, the words that Jesus said to His disciples are recorded: “He who loves Me will keep My word… He who does not love Me will not keep My words” (vv. 23-24). Obedience is not always an easy choice, but the power of the Spirit living in us gives us the desire and ability to show this obedience to God (vv. 15-17). With the help of the Holy Spirit, we can obey the commandments of the One who loves us most.

Have you deliberately disobeyed God? Why is it important for you to obey God even when it is difficult or inconvenient?
Loving God, please change my stubborn heart to obey Your instructions. Help me to put aside my own plans and obey You faithfully.
By Cindy Hess Kasper