2 John 6: “And this is love, that we walk in obedience to his commands.”
Jerry Bridges wrote: “God wants us to walk in obedience – not victory. Obedience is oriented toward God; victory is oriented toward self… This is not to say God doesn’t want us to experience victory, but rather to emphasise that victory is a by-product of obedience. As we concentrate on living an obedient, holy life, we will certainly experience the joy of victory over sin.”
Jesus “became obedient to death, even death on a cross” (Philippians 2:8). Notice the order – his obedience came first, which then led to ultimate victory: “Although he was a son, he learned obedience from what he suffered and, once made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him” (Hebrews 5:8,9).
Our obedience to God is the very best proof of our love for him – nothing else. Obedience involves humility, submission and acknowledgement that God calls the shots. “You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honour God with your body” (1 Corinthians 7:19,20).
Be encouraged today if you’ve been getting discouraged after faithfully seeking to follow and obey the Lord. Bernard of Clairvaux wrote: “Only by desertion can we be defeated. With Christ and for Christ victory is certain. We can lose the victory by flight but not by death. Happy are you if you die in battle, for after death you will be crowned. But woe to you if by forsaking the battle you forfeit at once both the victory and the crown!”
Many a time I’ve been tempted to throw in the towel and settle for doomed compromise. Thankfully I’ve hung on thus far with no regrets. Although victory is assured, we’re still in the thick of the battle. We need to just keep on that steady road of obedience. You can do it!
God, I choose to be steady on the long road of obedience today, wherever that may take me. Amen!
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