Obedience Deepens Relationships

Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. Many will say to Me in that day, “Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’
Matthew 7:21-22

Focus on Christ 

How would you describe your relationship with Christ? How would He describe His relationship with you?

Many Christians say that Jesus is Lord and, at the same time are, holding on to something He asked them to give up. Others say that Jesus is Lord but will not begin doing what they know they should. Obedience really is the evidence that a person will enter the kingdom of heaven. Only those who do the Will of God will be in heaven. 

Did you know that you are built spiritually to obey not command? When a person comes to faith in Christ, that person will submit to His Will and Ways. Many want to talk about the greatness of salvation, but obedience shows the heart. Obedience is practical not theoretical. God doesn’t want you trying to choose the best way to live. He wants you to get into His Word and discover how to obey Him. 

For example, many Christians wonder why God doesn’t give them an answer about buying a house, yet they are not obeying Christ in their giving. Additionally, Christians may want more wisdom in their life when they are not obeying God by spending time in His Word. Others wonder why they can’t have greater peace in their life, yet they do not obey the Lord to be filled with the Spirit everyday. 

Some people say, “I cannot give up things that are good and that I love.” Some people think that obedience means living a miserable life. Rather, it is just the opposite. When you obey Christ, life becomes abundant and free. 

Romans 6:16 states, “Do you not know that to whom you present yourselves slaves to obey, you are that one’s slaves whom you obey, whether of sin leading to death, or of obedience leading to righteousness?” If you are a slave to sin, then you will experience death. However, being a slave to obedience leads to righteousness. Obeying God frees your spirit to do something worthwhile. The only things you will understand about the Christian life are the parts you obey. 

Focus on Self 

Self wants everything and everyone to adjust to its comfort. Self wants others obedience. Biblical obedience produces right feelings and right living by adjusting a person’s life to God. When obedience takes place, your relationship with Christ deepens. Why? Because obedience is the result of love.

*Taken from Gifts from God by Kerry Skinner and Alison Veazey. Click here to order your copy.