The Convenience of Obedience

Originally posted here

“Obedience just isn't always the most convenient. In fact, most of the time it's unrealistic for my life.”

Let's just be realistic here for a second.

Obedience is very helpful, and very convenient at times. And I'm not talking about the times when we are the ones being obeyed.

I'm talking about those nasty times when you are told to do something, yet you do not want to do it. When basically not doing it would be called disobeying.

Oh, yeah, those times.

What lovely times.

But seriously, we all will have to admit at some point: Obedience is a necessary part of life, rules are the only strategy we have to stop full-out chaos.

You may not want to stop at those red lights. But in the end it will be the most convenient thing to do to stop from dying in an immediate car crash.

It may seem pretty fun as a little kid to do what ever you want, “forget” half the rules, but even a kid finds obeying the rules will eventually let them get away with more.

Rules.

Any intelligent person will know that it is only logical that life be full of them (personal rules and rules others hold us accountable to), that societies be built by them, that governments be ruled by them.

Then why is it in religion it is the rules we look down on?

What is so wrong about these rules? Is it legalism?

Or is legalism just a word we use to get away with being selfish?

Think about it.

All rules have reason. Especially God's, the one who created reason and logic.

So why do we rebel against obeying?

Why?

Is it that hard to do what is best for us? (Obviously yes, or none of us would eat sugary, artificial foods that kill). ;)

But as to inconvenient?

None of what God has asked is inconvenient. Not any of His word is legalistic. That's our flesh warring against what we want, what we desire.

Because God's love and sacrifice was designed for our convenience, to save us from a very miserable, inconvenient heat.

Believe me guys, the path to Hell may seem more easy and fun, but in the end it sure won't seem like we had made the most wise decision. It won't be so convenient for our skin.

Guys, obeying is good, it is necessary. For our well-being, our soul destination, our relationships.

I have always loved this verse. This story is just so great. It expresses God's desire for our hearts to be right with Him, not in doing what we think is right.

(1 Samuel 15:22) Hath the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams.

Saul had been told to wait for Samuel to perform the sacrifice, but he was too anxious to start the war, afraid that God and Samuel would not be there for him. So he disobeyed and performed the sacrifice, in the end angering God and forfeiting his own throne.

Why do we choose to think that the only way is our way?

Why must we question all of God's commandments to try and see if they will work for our lives, fit into what we think and believe?

Is life that much about false convenience that we forget the truth about obedience?

It's time we draw closer to God, and stop thinking about what we can try and get away with.

Choose to follow Yeshua (Jesus).

Let's stop trying to get around obeying God's will. It will never work out.

(John 14:21) He that has my commandments, and keeps them, he it is that loves me: and he that loves me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.

(1 John 5:3) For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous.

The Calling

 Hello. Would you like to go on an adventure of great exploits, and exciting experiences? Would you like your words to hold great meaning, and your life to show great things? Well, I have something very special for you. It is The Calling.

 ^ Sorry for the bad sales pitch. But... you ask... what is The Calling?

 God has a special purpose for everyone. One person might be called to preach, another to teach, or maybe even sing. This calling in whatever form is so important. Your calling will involve great exploits, and exciting experiences when God is directing your paths, whether these exploits include trekking through Africa, or merely singing a special at your local church. Your words will hold great meaning, and your life will show great things when God is your pilot.

 Finding the true direction God wants you to go- your true calling- can be hard. You pray for the Lord to show you His purpose, you tell Him you'll do whatever He desires, and still you're pulling up a blank. You might think you have an idea of what The Calling might be... for example, I have a special place on my heart for children, so I think The Calling might have something to do with that. God has also placed within me a gift and desire for singing, writing, and acting. I don't know what His plans could be involving these things, but I know that when He asks me to use them, I must.

 But still... You may have an idea, but you aren't sure. What if you think you're calling is to preach, but you try and embarrass yourself? What if you think your calling is to sing, but you sound like you have a frog in your throat?

Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest. ~ Ecclesiastes 9:10

 I suggest praying. Even if you've prayed a million times, pray for peace about whatever you need to do, and pray that God's will be done.  

I can be a hard to thing to give in, and let God's will happen, but this is an incremental part to answering The Calling. 

 I still don't know entirely what The Calling is for me. I pray, and may feel certain about some areas, but still confused about others. But I want to tell you something. 

 You are called. Yes, you! There is a Calling that you don't have to wait to receive. There is a Calling every child of God has as part of their responsibility. The Calling is the most important part of being a Christian. The Calling defines us. 

  Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen. ~ Matt. 28:19

 This Calling is not given to a specific person. This command was given to all who were present at the ascension of Christ, and carries over to every Child of the King. So when you feel discouraged, still praying for The Calling, remember that you are called for something great. You are called to be ambassadors of Christ, bringing the good news of Jesus to all in the world. There is your adventure and great exploits. There is the meaning and weight of words. The Calling is so important for the souls of all. 

 Will you accept The Call?