Pastor Brian's Article for 04/27/2008
I am a first born and as such I tend to be
fairly compliant. Tell me what you want done and the way you want it done and I
usually do it. I would seldom ask my employer why a task had to be done a
certain way. When I did ask why it should be this way and not that way, there
was a definite reason behind it.
In Psalm 119:35 the psalmist asks for
understanding in reference to obeying God’s Word. He is not asking God why he
should obey Him, but he wants understanding as to the effects of obedience. It
seems to me that would be like a parent trying to explain to a child on his
first day of school why he should apply himself and do well in school. Such an
explanation would be beyond the child. The author relates this story about his
childhood. His mother wanted him to do well in school. He could do okay
without really applying himself. He soon found himself doing better than okay,
because his mother wanted him to excel. Calvin gradually grew to accept the
will of his mother, though at the time he could see the long-term benefit. He
did it because it brought his mother joy. If our obedience has no other meaning
than to bring God joy, that is enough.
The psalmist is eager to obey God and to
obey Him with all that he had, but he was seeking insight as to why he should
struggle to obey God with all his might when he could get by on a more casual
obedience. There are times when obedience to the commands of God seems so
silly. There are times when obedience to God bumps us against friendships or
authorities. Is it worth the trouble to go beyond casual obedience? When my
children were small and they were learning to walk, we make a big deal out of
every step. I can remember them laughing as they took each step. Their joy and
pleasure in struggling to take each step came from the pleasure that I had in
watching them make those steps. Obedience is hard at times, but God takes
pleasure in our obedience.
As men we sometimes say to our wives, “Tell
me what to do, and I will do it.” This statement is usually made in reference
to some area where we as men have fallen short, but eagerly desire to please our
wives. The stereo-typical answer comes back, “If you really loved me, you would
know what to do.” At which point you find the nearest firm wall and beat your
head against it, because you have no idea what she is talking about. In the
marriage relationship a man and woman grow in their knowledge and love for each
other. The “tell me” statements aren’t made as often and the man tries to
remember what she has asked for or hinted at for birthday, anniversary, and
Christmas. If you have been married long enough, you even begin to understand
her non-verbal cues. Without a word you can tell if you are in trouble or if
you have done well. When we think about obedience toward God, relationship is
the key. The Bible tells us what to do or not do. It is all in black and white
for us to read. The question of whether or not we will obey is determined by
our relationship with Christ. If it is just a casual relationship, we may not
work very hard to obey. If we have a passionate relationship with Christ born
out of a desire to please Him in every area of life, we will work very hard to
obey. How passionate are you about obedience?
That Jesus May Be Revealed,
Brian
Taken for A Hunger for The Holy,
Calvin Miller, Chapter 6.
 Scripture References:
Exodus 19:5-6a –
We learn from God how to give. When we recognize
His ownership of everything, our giving assumes a proper perspective. Our
commitment to giving a tithe and more to God through our church is one way of
saying to God, “Thanks for letting me use what belongs to You.”
Revelation 3:15-16 – I know your deeds, that
you are neither cold nor hot; I wish that you were cold or hot. So because you
are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of My mouth.
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