Obeying Christ Results from Loving Christ
Obeying Christ Results from Loving Christ
The word obey irritates some people, perhaps because of strict childhood discipline, or maybe a stint in the armed forces, or just the natural rebellion of the human heart. Sometimes we obey because we have to, and there is nothing wrong with that. Setting aside our own plans and learning to obey is one of the essential tasks of childhood and youth. Sometimes we obey because we have a reward in sight. (“If I mow the lawn, Dad may let me have the car Saturday.”) But the best way to obey is because we want to, because we are motivated by love and not fear or greed. “If you love me, keep my commands” (John 14:15). “Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching” (v. 23).
We don’t earn God’s love and blessing any more than children earn their parents’ love and care, but loving obedience builds character and brings joy to the parents’ hearts. It means following the example of our Master. “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you,” said Jesus. “Now remain [abide] in my love. If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love” (John 15:9–10). In the next verse, Jesus gives us another motive for obeying: “I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.”
“But if anyone obeys his word, love for God is truly made complete in them” (1 John 2:5). When we have mature love in our hearts, it takes the weight out of our burdens and enables us to do what needs to be done, no matter how we feel or what it costs. “This is how we know that we love the children of God: by loving God and carrying out his commands. In fact, this is love for God: to keep his commands. And his commands are not burdensome” (5:2–3).
Paul tells us in Romans 13:8 that “whoever loves others has fulfilled the law.” Our cities have laws that require parents to care for their children, but I doubt that many fathers and mothers care for their children because they don’t want to go to jail. Caring for a growing family is expensive and difficult, but we do it because we love our children and want the best for them. Christian love is not hearts and flowers and fuzzy feelings. It is an act of the will as we treat others the same way the Lord treats us. “The fruit of the Spirit is love” (Gal. 5:22).