A reflection on the simplicity of Obedience…

When I was a young child in school, I loved when teachers would offer “extra credit.” While many subjects came very easy to me, others required more attention. Early on I discovered the power of “extra credit.” Those subjects I liked and enjoyed I would study and prepare more readily. However, those subjects I deemed unappealing, I would find myself procrastinating and seeking short cuts to completing the assignments. When teachers would allow me, I would do something extra or turn in an additional assignment to show them that I was really trying. Often the extra credit paid off and would be reflected in my grades as well as affecting their view of me. As students we used to call it “playing the game”, finding short cuts and essentially manipulating favor with teachers. I didn’t think of it that way at the time. After all, everyone did it. Some believers are like that in their spiritual walk with Christ. Are you playing a game with God and trying to manipulate His favor?

 

Rather than following God’s simple requirements to pray and read the Bible daily, go to church, and love your family, many choose the “extra credit” sacrifice. I’ve known Christians who attend church only on holidays, serve one time in prison ministry or volunteer one time a year in children’s church and talk about it for years to come as if they’ve earned ” extra credit” with God, as well as favor with other people around them. Instead of sharing the proverbial “fish tale”, they continuously share the “extra credit” tale of how they earned points with God. We like “extra credit” because it helps us get noticed by those around us. However, the most powerful people in the kingdom of God are not those who do sensational acts to get in the spotlight, but those who are consistent in their walk of faith. God wants our daily obedience.

 

According to Scripture, we are to “seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness” (Matthew 6:33). We need to seek and obey God every day. He has given each one of us an assignment and if we are willing to obey Him daily, we can fulfill that assignment.

 

When we start obeying God, we will see His power released in our lives. Maybe your marriage needs healing, your family needs reconciling, or whatever the circumstance, if you have sinned and fallen away from God, don’t try to earn “extra credit” with Him, just go back to the simplicity of repentance and daily obedience to His word. He is faithful and just to strengthen and receive you.

2 replies
  1. Pam Waldrum
    Pam Waldrum says:

    What a thrill to see this website come together! I am going to share it with my friends abroad too! Father, let this be a place of meeting to share Your heart, Your reflections through Your amazing daughters. Bless each one who comes to find strength, hope and courage. Bring glory to Your kingdom through this wonderful tool. In Jesus Name!

    Reply
  2. Celeste Cooper
    Celeste Cooper says:

    What a great reminder for us to be faithfull to our God as He is faithful to us. The only way to grow in Him is to read and obey His word, then you will see Him take you step by step from glory to glory! Congratulations on creating this wonderful website where people around the world can connect with each other and share the good news of Jesus Christ and waht He is doing in their lives! Praise the Lord!

    Reply

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