| By Dan Stevens |
An old hymn goes this way - Trust and obey, for there's no other way, to be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.
That well sums up the primary response of a Christian to God’s initiation of grace to accomplish our salvation and sanctification.
Obedience is not the means of our salvation but the sign of our salvation. An obedient will is the second birth mark of a believer that we heard in the Sunday’s sermon. Believers, out of gratitude and love for God, commit to live according to His will.
Jesus said, "If you love me, keep my commands" (John 14:15).
Obedience is thus a demonstration of a transformed heart and a relationship with God. We live an obedient life, for our sake – we are sanctified and there is true joy and peace for other’s sake – we strengthen fellow believers and we do not hinder the salvation of unbelievers for God’s glory – we bring glory to God with our lives well lived and not bring disrepute to His name.
Living a life of obedience starts with
Deciding that obedience is a priority. David, in several of his psalms and particularly Psalm 19, eloquently shares his admiration for God’s word and how there is great reward in obeying them. We cannot obey God unless we prioritise it.
Developing a ‘God must be exalted’ mindset. In whatever we do, we are called to do it for the glory of God. We cannot glorify God with Disobedience.
Drawing strength from the indwelling Holy Spirit. The Holy spirit helps us to understand God’s ways, obey God’s commands, convicts us of sin and empowers us to live Godly lives. What more do we need?
Obedience is not the cause of our rebirth, but it is a birthmark of our rebirth.