OBEDIENCE

I went to church and heard the gospel for the first time when I was 27 years of age. On that day, May 17th, 1981, I received Jesus as my Savior. 

So the sanctification process began ... take a man who had lived a self-centered, carnal life and change him into a 'man of God.' I did not know that the responsibility for the transformation wasn't mine to bear.

Because I have an analytical mind, I mistakenly tried to encapsulate Christianity into a 'how-to' type format. I studied denominational differences, doctrines of the faith, and a myriad of bible versions. Salvation through Christ was the foundation, of course, but trying to live the 'life' brought frustration at every turn. 

The Lord clearly commanded me to be obedient but I floundered and failed continually. 

Regardless of what those around me seemed to be experiencing as successful stalwarts of the faith, I could not put forth an outward appearance that denied my inward struggle. I had to understand and live the truth of God's Word or admit that my 'rebirth' was tenuous at best. 

Those were my 'wilderness' days. I wandered in a religious desert, searching for answers from a God whose wrath I feared. I faithfully continued to fellowship, worship, and pray ... but in my heart, I knew something was wrong. I saw a hypocrite in the mirror. 

The pages of my Bible were worn out from my perpetual digging. The more I read, the more I felt condemned. Instead of bringing understanding, sermons drained me. 

The idea that maybe I wasn't a Christian after all, was a frightening revelation ... but at least it was a truth I could understand. I needed God to make sense, even if it meant I didn't know Him personally. 

Then the answer came.

My heart pounded the moment I realized that I have but one responsibility concerning salvation. It brought everything into a harmonious blend of truth and experience. My sole duty was to 'surrender' to God's love for me. Simply put ... Jesus Christ fulfilled everything on my behalf.

'Obedience' cannot be attained through self-discipline; that concept is inherently flawed, for if I could obey in my own strength, 'pride' would undoubtedly negate the effort. Or, if the motive for obedience is my 'fear' of disappointing a wrathful God, then peace and joy would never be mine. 

'Intimacy' is the key that opens the door to obedience. 

Contrary to what Satan would have you believe, the Lord is approachable. Don't allow guilt and shame to keep you from living in His presence. God's judgment concerning your sin was satisfied on Calvary's cross. 

Remember ... His is a Throne of Grace. 

An abiding, loving connection with the Savior results in 'His being obedient through you'. 'Surrender' alone results in obedience for which you cannot claim credit. In Christ's presence, your sinful nature is weakened and obedience becomes a gift from His hand.

Fear subsides when 'religion' is replaced with 'relationship'. 

It is true that obedience is the blessed result of intimacy with Christ, but an opposite scenario exists ... when you shy away from that intimacy, sin is at the door.