Treasured Obedience

John 14:15 says, “If you love Me, keep my commandments.” What do you think this verse means? God desires obedience. When we are obedient, He feels loved and valued. We cannot simply say that we love God if we do not show Him. God desires to feel valued and loved also. He will love and value you way more than you will Him, but in my opinion, He wants to have that mutual, genuine relationship. I believe at some point in life, every believer in God desires to be closer to Him, and create a deeper relationship. There are many ways one can draw closer and have an intimate connection with the Father. Prayer, worship, studying of the Word, listening to teachings, etc. Just as a parent is so very pleased when their child is obedient with a humble motive/heart, so also is our Heavenly Father pleased when we obey His commandments with a pure and contrite heart. 

If God set a certain commandment in stone, and we decided to twist it just a little because we thought it would be for the best, how do you think He would feel? How would YOU feel, as a parent, if your child decided to do something very wrong that they specifically told you they would not do? Would you feel dishonored? Disrespected? Disappointed? I feel as though our Heavenly Father would feel the same. Although our motives and heart might seem to be in the right place, unfortunately, it is a very wrong place to be in. Do not ever put yourself in a situation to where you need to question God’s intention or what He really commanded. What is written is what is to be followed. If God says no, you need not disregard that and be obedient to what He does say. If He says yes, move forward and follow His lead. 

Exodus 19:5 “Now then, if you listen closely to My voice, and keep my covenant, then you will be My own treasure from among all people, for all the earth is Mine.” Wow, what a verse! We will be His treasured ones if we listen and obey with a humble heart. I don’t know about you, but when I think of being God’s “treasured one”, it makes me feel so honored and almost like I don’t deserve it. But nevertheless, God’s Word is true, and His vast love is so kind and merciful. Learn to be wise, carefully considering your choices and how you live your life. There will come a day when we will be judged. No, we are not perfect, but we have a Savior who is perfect, and we can surely do our best to strive for that beautiful perfection. We should not only repeat and read the commandments, but we need to learn to walk them out. Stay true to who you are and who you were created to be, and how you are supposed to live. Be humble in everything you do, and do everything as if you were doing it unto your Lord and Savior. Be obedient, and you will be called His treasure.