Blog-votional: Life is Not a Sitcom: The Struggle to Live the Christian Life

I John 2:3 says: “By this we know that we have come to know Him, if we keep His commandments.”  The word “keep” in that verse carries the idea of watchful, observant obedience.  It is not an obedience in response to force or pressure.  It’s an obedience that responds out of pure love for God and all He has done for humanity in Jesus Christ.  The word “keep” means “to watch or guard or to keep, as some precious thing.”  The Christian that struggles to obey God in all areas of life, will demonstrate that s/he knows God by a great desire of his/her heart to obey His Word.  It isn’t easy but no one said it would be. 

Think about this:

() When we live obediently, we receive more than we would ever think possible.

() When we live obediently, our family, friends, and associates will be blessed.

() When we live obediently, the impact of our obedience to God often outlives us.

() In the day-to-day acts of obedience, you cannot imagine how your actions might impact the lives of others in the future.  Imagine what the world would be like if…

…Michelango had said, ‘I don’t do ceilings.’

…Noah had said, ‘I don’t do boats.’

…Moses had said, ‘I don’t do rivers.’

…David had said, ‘I don’t do Goliaths.’

…Mary had said, ‘I don’t do virgin births.’

…John the Baptist had said, ‘I don’t do baptisms.’

…Peter had said, ‘I don’t do Gentile discipleship.’

…Paul had said, ‘I don’t do letters.’

…Jesus had said, ‘I don’t do crosses!’

A lifestyle of struggling obedience will outlive us here on earth and in eternity.

“Now unto Him who is able to keep us from falling and to present us faultless before the throne of His grace, be glory and praise forever.”

We can love and obey Him with His promised help.

Dr. Stan Parker