Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – July 22, 2014
I will always obey your law, for ever and ever. I will walk about in freedom, for I have sought out your precepts. Psalms 119:44-45
Obedience creates freedom while disobedience leads to bondage. Our predisposition to seek understanding and application of God’s word is a liberating path. It’s when we get off track and try things contrary to the ways of the Lord that we become ensnared like a walk through a thicket of thorns. Keeping our choices within the confines of Christ’s heart may open additional doors of opportunity. Obedience to God positions us to experience freedom with God.
Obedience is free from the guilt of going against the Lord. We have a clear conscience having followed by faith the teachings of Holy Scripture. His precepts are profound, but simple. His word is wonderful, but it works. His law is lofty, but loving. His decrees denounce sin, but give grace to overcome sin. His statutes are a high standard, but they point to salvation in Jesus and they provide ongoing salvation from sin. Obedience creates freedom found in the word of God.
“For sin shall no longer be your master, because you are not under the law, but under grace” (Romans 6:14).
Not unlike an earthly father who gives additional freedom to a compliant child, so our Father in heaven extends privileges to His obedient children. Obedience opens doors that disobedience closes. For example, a cheerful and generous giver can be entrusted with more because they employ God’s economic expectations. A selfless person can be given added responsibilities because they will use their elevated role to serve others. Obedience creates freedom to grow.
Furthermore, we obey the Lord by grace through faith. It is not a rigid and cold compliance, rather a joyful privilege motivated by love. How can we not obey the One who gave us His son? We love God, because He first loved us. We show our love to our heavenly Father by following His commands. Indeed, we humble ourselves under the Lord’s mighty hand and He lifts us up to glorify Him in our actions. In spite of our imperfect obedience, we can enjoy the freedoms of our gracious heavenly Father. Freedom in Christ comes from obedience to Christ.
“But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do” (James 1:25).
Prayer: Heavenly Father, I am so thankful that in spite of my imperfect obedience, I can enjoy the freedoms You graciously give.
Related Readings: Job 32:8; Isaiah 61:1; 1 Corinthians 9:19; Galatians 5:1; 1 Peter 1:2, 2:16
Post/Tweet today: In spite of our imperfect obedience we can enjoy the freedoms of our gracious heavenly Father. #wisdomhunters
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