Several weeks ago I had a blog prepared on chivalry, but two Sundays ago when I planned to post it God clearly filled my spirit with wait. He continued: I want you to write about obedience instead. And it is amazing, but shouldn’t be surprising, how God has spoken to me on obedience for the last two weeks.
First of all, obedience in our own walks in faith.
“Don’t you know that when you offer yourselves to someone to obey him as slaves, you are slaves to the one whom you obey – whether you are slaves to sin, which leads to death, or to obedience, which leads to righteousness?” Romans 6:16
Let me tell you first hand, that being a slave to sin is not worth it. It leaves you hurt, lonely and confused. It leaves you searching aimlessly for the righteous path you left or have yet to find. I know because I left the path just last week. I became a sinner by choice. But God doesn’t leave us searching. He forgives us, wraps His arms around us and leads us back into righteousness. And remember to…
“Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not men…” Ephesians 6:7
Second, our obedience that God uses to reach others.
“Through him and for his name’s sake, we received grace and apostleship to call people from among all the Gentiles to the obedience that comes from faith.” Romans 1:5
I am not a very bold person, nor am I a wealthy person. But God continues to ask me to step out of my shell to compliment strangers, pray for mere acquaintances and continue to tithe and donate my time & talents throughout the week. I am struggle to pay for my gear and reach my $6500 deadline on December 18th so I’m allowed to launch on this race, but I wasn’t going to miss making Thanksgiving dinner for my church’s annual community dinner, pack a box for Operation Christmas Child and purchase food for a few families struggling to put a meal on their table. Our gifts are meant to be shared, whether you are an amazing cook, are knowledgeable about cars or finances, or just know how to put a smile on someones face.
When we are obedient to God, He can use our servility to reach others, whether through our actions, our words, our prayers or just our presence – God can reflect His love & grace through us. So when He calls you to speak up or act boldly in faith, please respond. No situation is ever too strange for God to work in. It could be offering encouragement or a compliment at a store or coffee shop. It could be donating your time, money or skills to your church, a local non-profit or to a neighbor, your friends or family. It could just be sending a card of hello or thanks to an old acquaintance. Your heart is a reflection of God. And the truth is, when you put the Lord first, others will see it and will want Him in their hearts too.
“Be on your guard; stand firm in your faith; be courageous; be strong. Do everything in love.” 1 Corinthians 16:13-14
