Written Records
But those who obey God’s word truly show how completely they love him. That is how we know we are living in him.
1 John 2:5
If you are not in obedience to God’s Word, He has no obligation to you. If you are only a hearer of the Word, and not a doer, you are no different than an unbeliever who studies the Bible out of a scholarly interest in ancient texts. If you believe in the existence of God, but refuse to live in obedience to Scripture, you are living in outright defiance of an Almighty God! I don’t know about you, but I’m certainly not brave enough for that one!
I want to live in absolute compliance to the Word of God! I want to follow the example of Jesus! He said that He does nothing but what He sees the Father do. We have a written record of what Jesus did! We have a written record of what He commanded us to do!
I want to live in obedience out of love, but I also recognize that God motivates us to obedience with promises. How many of you have used that with your children? I know I certainly have! Our Father does, too! He places good things in front of us and links our receipt of those gifts to specific behaviors and attitudes. He wants us to build trust in Him!
Faith is trusting God for everything! It is that simple! It is knowing, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that whatever claims your attention is not a surprise to Him. It is knowing that, if you are faithful to the conditions set on His promises, He will make good on His Word! He is not a man that He should lie! Any lack of trust in your life comes from being disappointed by people. It doesn’t come from God! There is a reason Christ calls us to child-like faith. There is completeness in faith that recognizes the all-sufficiency of Jesus. There is unwavering trust and devotion by one who has not been let down, who has not become jaded.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for loving me as Your own child. Thank You for promising me rewards and for giving guidance and discipline when I need it. I ask You for the purity of child-like faith in my heart. Bring my life into full compliance with Your Word! In Jesus’ Name, amen.