In Pursuit of Obedience… and Its Rewards, by Matt Harner

Why is it that we are content with setting aside the Bible’s commands in order to fit in with the world around us?

I know, I know, there’s grace to cover our sins. Thank Jesus for that! But sometimes we go beyond relying on Jesus’ grace to cover our daily needs.  We test His grace and take advantage of it. We get lazy about even trying to obey.

Since creation, God’s commands have been for our good! Look at what they were intended to accomplish among the Israelites:

See, I have taught you decrees and laws as the LORD my God commanded me, so that you may follow them in the land you are entering to take possession of it. Observe them carefully, for this will show your wisdom and understanding to the nations, who will hear about all these decrees and say, “Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people.” What other nation is so great as to have their gods near them the way the LORD our God is near us whenever we pray to him? And what other nation is so great as to have such righteous decrees and laws as this body of laws I am setting before you today? – Deuteronomy 4:5-8

Wisdom. Understanding. International respect. God listening when they prayed. Simply having such a righteous body of laws! These are all the blessings Israel gained through the law as they obeyed it. Because God’s commands are good. Always have been. Always will be.

Jesus said, If you love me, you will obey what I command (John 14:15). Though He provides His grace for our frequent failures, Jesus still expects obedience. We are intended to experience the same blessings Israel did: wisdom, understanding, international respect among unbelievers for our wisdom, access to God in prayer, such excellent commands to obey! All these blessings are ours. Let’s not get lazy and neglect Jesus’ commands just because of His grace. Obeying Him is way better than fitting in!