John 14:21-24New International Version (NIV) 21 Whoever has my commands and keeps them is the one who loves me. The one who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love them and show myself to them.”
22 Then Judas (not Judas Iscariot) said, “But, Lord, why do you intend to show yourself to us and not to the world?”
23 Jesus replied, “Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching. My Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them. 24 Anyone who does not love me will not obey my teaching. These words you hear are not my own; they belong to the Father who sent me.
Ok, this is easy. Follow God’s commandments because that means I love Christ. If I love Christ, then God will love me and Christ will love me. I have my nice little box that I can live within! Simple enough.
But is it really that simple? I shall have no other Gods and shall not make idols. Uh oh is money, wealth, house, car, job, family etc. a God or idol? Do I put those 1st over God? If I am (knowingly or unknowingly) then I can’t even get past the 1st 2 commandments. Do I lie? (Is exaggerating or stretching the truth considered a lie?). Do I covet? Is wanting what someone else has, considered coveting? (More money, nicer house, better car). I think so.
Well, maybe this is going to be a little harder than I thought. So much for my little box. It is going to take a lot more effort to follow God’s commandments than I initially thought. But that is what pastor was saying Sunday. God provides more than I could ask or imagine. My box, my boundaries are not limited. He knows that I am going to screw up and unwittingly not follow these “easy commandments”. Yet He loves me anyway!
I just need to understand that I am not perfect and that I will mess up. Once I realize that, then I can ask for forgiveness and try harder. I have to put God first over everything. The devil will continue to put these other idols or thoughts in my head. But I can say no, I want the God Head to love me so I must follow His commandments.
The task is daunting, but God knows my limits and I am nowhere near my limit. I can continue to grow my faith, love, obedience & follow Him and His commands. It won’t be easy. But God has never promised that it would be easy. He has however, promised to love me if I follow His commands.
I want & desire His love, so I will continue to try to obey His commands and to not be deterred by the devil, my vanity or anything else.
What about you? Do you want to be loved by God & Christ? Can you obey His commands? I would love to hear from you.
God please help me. I know I am not perfect and fail in always following Your commands. Please forgive me because I desperately desire your love. I pray that Your reign come over me and that Your will be done. Amen
Jerry