the privilege of obedience
"He who obeys the commandments he has from Me is the man who loves Me." —John 14:21
Obedience is one of the main ways we express our love for God. The Lord gives the Holy Spirit to those who obey Him (Acts 5:32). The Lord reveals Himself to those obeying Him (Jn 14:21) and conceals Himself from the disobedient (see Lk 10:21). The obedient not only know God's revelation but even His dwelling within them (Jn 14:23). In obedience, love is expressed, the Spirit received, God revealed, and His indwelling received. Sin and death entered the world through disobedience, but salvation entered the world through Jesus' obedience (Rm 5:19), even to death on the cross (Phil 2:8).
Obedience is the essence of the Christian life and the heart of our relationship with the Lord. Obedience is one of the most important ways of imitating Christ. It is prerequisite to exercising authority over the evil one (2 Cor 10:4-6). Obedience is one of our greatest privileges, for the Lord could have accomplished His plan of salvation without letting us participate through obeying. Obedience is a way of life (1 Pt 1:2) and the way of love. Love to obey.
Prayer: Father, may my love expressed in obedience result in supernatural joy.
Promise: "The Paraclete, the Holy Spirit Whom the Father will send in My name, will instruct you in everything, and remind you of all that I told you." —Jn 14:26
Praise: Ron experienced chest pain, but Jesus healed him. Later, at a checkup, test results showed he had suffered a heart attack.
Reference: (For a related teaching, order our leaflet Obedience School or on tape titled Obeying God on audio AV 62-3 or video V-62.)
Rescript: †Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, October 31, 2011
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