The term obedience has a negative connotation or vibe for many people. I personally do not consider myself rebellious to the action of obedience, however my life at times speaks otherwise. For instance, I have been a member of Weight Watchers off and on for many years. I have lost weight with the program when I did ALL the directions of the program, yet I did not stick with the program long enough for long lasting results, usually only a few weeks. The reason being that as soon as I was told to track points, foods, water, etc. I rebelled. I don't like "having to" do a certain thing to show accountability that I stuck to the program. I don't want to "have to" do anything. I need to have the "want to" to do what is expected and required. This is a rebellious attitude. A better attitude would be to oblige the expectation and requirement with an outlook of acquiring the results and reputation that shows good character and success. Last fall of 2011, I had a close friend whose goal was to lose a certain amount of weight before her wedding anniversary cruise in January 2012. I knew in my spirit that I was to pray and encourage her to lose those pounds. This may sound reasonable and an act of kindness to you. However, if you have ever been overweight, you could of had the same thoughts that I had when I was to act in obedience and pray for my friend. First I must say as a disclaimer, that the following is true but my heart of love and dedication to our friendship never changed.
My thoughts last fall were if I pray for my friend then she may very well lose those pounds and I will still be big and overweight. I am having health problems, cannot exercise and I will remain fat. She will look even better than now and I will be big all alone. She and I will not be able to relate because she is healthy and I am still stuck. My attitude was all about me and my "pitiful" self.
Before you judge me, ask yourself and answer yourself truthfully. Have you ever prayed long term that your best friend, close relative, or some one you work with (not an immediate family member) to lose weight and be attractively thin? to prosper and have financial blessings in their life? get a raise even if you don't? to have a lovely home or new car, when you live/drive an old one? I would think that until your heart is fully committed to our Lord God's purposes that you would find it hard to pray for these things...long term/continuously.
My thought's changed almost immediately due to 3 things:
- I love this friend and value her relationship with me. I really want her happiness and the best for her.
- I want to be obedient to the Holy Spirit's promptings. I want to love my friend through actions.
- I had the conviction in my spirit to take my eyes off my pitiful situation and do something about it. Get medical attention and watch my diet until I could physically move and the pain managed.
As Mother Teresa's quote states above, I found, what I thought was impossible, easy, after I chose to obey.
Yesterday for Bible Study I looked up all verses regarding obey/obedience listed in the back of my Holy Bible. I felt in my spirit that though I have surrendered my life and all its facets to the Lord, I still needed to work on the area of obedience to daily and long term requirements, commandments, and purposes.
I read verses about being "willing and obedient"; "obeying His voice" and "Serve and obey His voice." (Isaiah 1:19; Deut 4:30 and Joshua 24:24). Isaiah 1:19 reads: If you are willing and obedient , You shall eat the good of the land. If you read on Isaiah 1:20 reads: But if you refuse and rebel, You shall be devoured by the sword": For the mouth of the Lord has spoken.
I have more verses on obedience I want to share with you. I will do a 2nd post with these verses and how my life needed them. For now, I will hold fast to our Lord God's Word and remove my rebellious tendencies one by one with His help.
By the way, my friend met her weight loss goal and enjoyed her anniversary cruise with more energy and vibrance. She is beautiful and I was blessed to have prayed for her.
You are Loved, acf
No comments:
Post a Comment