The more I live the more I understand that a victorious Christian is an obedient Christian.  So many people think that it’s just a matter of believing that Jesus is who He says He is.  Well, like the scriptures say, even demons believe that and they’re still demons!  So, what’s the missing ingredient?  Why so many defeated Christians? Obedience.  The price seems to be a bit high for some to pay.

I was having a very interesting conversation with a dear couple the other day.  They were telling me how some people they know are living in disobedience because doing the “right” thing is a bit complicated and just downright inconvenient.  It’s true that there are times when doing the right thing, like paying your taxes, getting married, or sticking to your word even when it hurts, is inconvenient.  Life can be very inconvenient. But…

I wonder how convenient it was for Jesus to leave His glory to dwell among us?  He had every right, after how so many of us rebelled against Him and spurned Him, to throw this little ball away and start over.  But He didn’t.  He chose to obey the Father’s will and did not consider equality with God something to be grasped but made Himself nothing (Philippians 2:6).  It also says, in that same chapter, that He became obedient to death… even death on a cross.  What an example of doing the Father’s will no matter the cost.

The third verse of the hymn “Trust & Obey” says it so well:

“But we never can prove the delights of His love
Until all on the altar we lay
For the favor He shows, and the joy He bestows
Are for them who will trust and obey.”

Oh, yes, I almost forgot.  The obedient Christian is joyful.  Why?  Because, like the hymn says, “… the joy He bestows are for those who will trust and obey.”  So what will you choose?  Convenience or obedience?  Only obedience will bring joy that will last.

7 Comments

1. 

   I can testify that there comes a time when true obedience to Christ will make no sense, will be complicated, and will be extremely frustrating to the natural man. My husband and I have been seeking the Lord to move us on from a very difficult situation for years now, and for some reason, He simply has not moved us on yet. He is still saying, wait and trust. It is quite excruciating and 99.9% of American Christendom will not understand this sort of non-sensical obedience. But wait we do. We want His will. We want His best. We don’t have to figure it all out – He’s got it all under control. He will tell us what we need to know when we need to know it. In the meantime, we draw closer to Him, trust less in our “selves,” and lead by example.

   Comment by Elizabeth Christopher — February 1, 2010 @ 12:46 pm

2. 

   Trust and obedience are two sides of the same coin: obedience is trust. It takes faith to obey the Lord when my reason says obedience will cause me more trouble than good. Thank you, Damaris, for sharing your thoughts on a favorite hymn!

   Comment by Andrew — January 22, 2010 @ 2:28 pm

3. 

   Perhaps for some obedience is inconvenient and complicated, but just think how much more complicated and inconvenient the consequences will prove to be in a person’s life because of disobedience. I choose obedience! Thank you for sharing this truthful reminder of the rich blessings that we can enjoy through trust and obedience in Christ who has never failed us. Peace!

   Comment by Regina — January 20, 2010 @ 11:52 pm

4. 

   A childhood song called “Obedience” constantly reminds me of this very truth. “Obedience is the very best way to show that you believe. Doing exactly what the Lord commands-doing it happily. Action is the key-do it immediately. His JOY you will receive. Obedience is the very best way to show that you believe.” (CEF publishers) Thanks you for continuing to tell the truth in a world without Jesus.

   Comment by Angela S Wheeler — January 20, 2010 @ 10:19 am

5. 

   Thank you for these awesome thoughts. One of the ways we take on the charchter of Christ himself is obedience. simple but try trust and obey for there is no other way, tho be happy in Jesus!

   Comment by Mark Karki — January 20, 2010 @ 8:23 am

6. 

   Thank you for these words that remind that we must not grow weary in well doing

   Comment by John-David Rivera — January 20, 2010 @ 6:26 am

7. 

   AMEN and AMEN!!!! I love it my sister!

   Comment by Magdaline Granados — January 20, 2010 @ 1:02 am

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