One of the most basic of lessons that we learn in kindergarten, or should have learned by then, is respect for authority. This kindergarten basic is so important in our relationship with God. Through it we gain victory over the flesh, which gets us in trouble consistently. Without an attitude of sweet submission to authority we will remain governed by the flesh and remain in ignorance of how wonderful God can be.
Without the kindergarten basic of submission to authority, we will not deny self and, in so doing, make no real progress in our spiritual growth. In fact, we will struggle constantly and feel discouraged. We will want to blame God for our problems, just like self wants to blame any authority for our problems, because we fail to see that self is at fault.
Once we have learned this kindergarten basic, we will be able to take “no” for an answer from God because we have learned to accept it from the God-given authorities in our lives. We know that the authority has the responsibility to make decisions, which may be contrary to ours. With this understanding, and knowing that God knows more than we know, we can accept “no” from God cheerfully. We can also confidently obey Him immediately, even if we don’t agree or understand.
This obedience is more than just an outward compliance to the demand of authority to avoid desired consequences. God intends that obedience be based on our love for God and thus His commands are not grievous "For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous." --1 John 5:3 Self-denial is the practice within the heart that says "no" to what the sinful heart wants for itself at that time. It is treating self as if it no longer has any influence on us.
This most basic of concepts brings the greatest of rewards. This is opposite of our selfish thinking, which brings pain, frustration, doubt and discouragement. Trust God because we simply cannot live our lives our own way and find contentment and fulfillment. God is in charge and we are not our own masters "For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's." --1 Corinthians 6:20
Godly obedience is the foundation for everything else in the Christian life.
Without the kindergarten basic of submission to authority, we will not deny self and, in so doing, make no real progress in our spiritual growth. In fact, we will struggle constantly and feel discouraged. We will want to blame God for our problems, just like self wants to blame any authority for our problems, because we fail to see that self is at fault.
Once we have learned this kindergarten basic, we will be able to take “no” for an answer from God because we have learned to accept it from the God-given authorities in our lives. We know that the authority has the responsibility to make decisions, which may be contrary to ours. With this understanding, and knowing that God knows more than we know, we can accept “no” from God cheerfully. We can also confidently obey Him immediately, even if we don’t agree or understand.
This obedience is more than just an outward compliance to the demand of authority to avoid desired consequences. God intends that obedience be based on our love for God and thus His commands are not grievous "For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous." --1 John 5:3 Self-denial is the practice within the heart that says "no" to what the sinful heart wants for itself at that time. It is treating self as if it no longer has any influence on us.
This most basic of concepts brings the greatest of rewards. This is opposite of our selfish thinking, which brings pain, frustration, doubt and discouragement. Trust God because we simply cannot live our lives our own way and find contentment and fulfillment. God is in charge and we are not our own masters "For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's." --1 Corinthians 6:20
Godly obedience is the foundation for everything else in the Christian life.
[Yesterday I was trying to put my thoughts together on this subject but my mind was so disattracted with plans I am working out for my mother's 80th birthday party/ family gathering. So I asked my husband to look at my draft. He did such a good job of expounding on my seed thoughts that I am posting what he said. So this blog was a duo effect from both of us.]
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