Light Loving

 

"Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God, and everyone who loves the father loves his child as well.  This is how we know that  we love the children of God: by loving God and carrying out his commands.  This is love for God: to obey his commands.  And his commands are not burdensome,"  I John 5:1-2

 

"I would serve God, but there are too many rules!"  You have heard the excuses from people, just as I have.  Unsaved people tend to think that Christianity is a burdensome list of do's and don'ts that we laboriously carry out like robots.  It is not surprising that people feel that way.  For one thing, Satan is the deceiver, and he likes to present the gospel to people as too much trouble.  Another reason is that (possibly) well-meaning people have so legalized Christianity with their own rules that they make it seem unappealing to those on the outside.

 

The truth of the matter is, there is no greater joy in all the world than walking with God.  There is no greater delight than basking in his presence.  Obeying God's commands brings fulfillment that cannot be found in any other way.  For a child who feels loved by his parents, and who loves his parents in return, obedience is not hard to do.  When we are motivated by love, the grace to carry out the commands comes easily.

 

The Bible is full of the commands of God.  Some are reflected in the Ten Commandments, others  are found  in the New Testament.  They all tie back to loving God and loving people.  This endeavor is a lifelong pursuit that we meet with relative success at times and failure at others.

 

The commands of God are not burdensome because he lives inside of us and gives us what we need to complete it.  He shapes our motives and character and enables us to want what he wants.  He gifts us with the Holy Spirit to enable us to become more like him and to empower us to do his  will.  If we are only willing, God offers a no-fail plan of success.  He can redeem even our mistakes and turn it for our good.  What an amazing God we serve!

 

 

Dear Lord, help me be obedient to your commands.  Help me live your Word in my everyday life.   In Jesus' Name. Amen.

 

Sherri