Daily Inspiration
Practicing Obedience
Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted.
~ Galatians 6:1
Obedience to God is the sign of your sheer delight and a joy-filled thankfulness for your salvation. Hold yourself accountable. “Stay awake and pray for strength against temptation. The spirit wants to do what is right, but the body is weak.” (Matthew 26:41)
In being obedient, as we discussed in the Daily Devotion today, the first step is to understand exactly what God wants us to do. This takes time and study, for the last thing we want to do is to obey a false teaching. “But do not follow foolish stories that disagree with God’s truth, but train yourself to serve God.” (1 Timothy 4:7)
Paul tells us many times how much easier it is for us, if we can speak to others about both our problems and our shortcomings. “Share in the troubles we have like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. A soldier wants to please the enlisting officer, so no one serving in the army wastes time with everyday matters. Also an athlete who takes part in a contest must obey all the rules in order to win.” (2 Timothy 2:3-5)
So, take a minute to meditate on how are you coming along with your obedience. It is well worth our while to make a small commitment, to think every day for just a minute on our obedience. Clearly we are destined to fail at this, as at everything, for only perfection will satisfy God, and God's perfection is not obtainable for us. Yet we try, for love of Christ. We can increase our strength to obey, by study of His Word, by prayer, and by finding a group of fellow saints who are not shy to discuss their shortcomings and not judgmental about others'.
Lord, propel me into action that I might be more obedient to your Word. Amen.
~ Mason Barge
Editor, Daily Prayer
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