Obedience

Obedience seems like such a simple thing. You either obey or not. You have a choice. Say "yes" or "no."

And yet, when have you struggled with obedience? It's a "when" and not an "if." I'm assuming you, like me, have disobeyed. I'd even venture to guess you've disobeyed knowingly, not because you didn't know of a rule or guideline. After all, we're human. We mess up...even when we have the best of intentions.

But what do we do once we mess up and realize it? Rationalize. Excuse. Reason. Ignore. Oh...and sometimes, apologize. We live in a society which generally encourages our rationalizations. Right or wrong appears relative, and no matter what our stance, we can find someone to support us.

When have you said "yes" when you should have said "no"?

When have you said "no" when you should have said "yes"?

The football coach of my high school team used to say, "Should've, would've and could've means you didn't."

Stop the excuses. Take responsibility. After all, we're human.

Joyful are people of integrity, who follow the instructions of the Lord.

Joyful are those who obey his laws and search for him with all their hearts.

They do not compromise with evil, and they walk only in his paths.

You have charged us to keep your commandments carefully.

Oh, that my actions would consistently reflect your decrees!

Then I will not be ashamed when I compare my life with your commands.

As I learn your righteous regulations, I will thank you by living as I should!

I will obey your decrees. Please don’t give up on me! - Psalm 119: 1-8 (NLT)

Obedience isn't just about you. It's about God.

Mountain Top

I've been to the mountain top today. Literally. Figuratively, it's been more like a dumpster diving day...a little smelly and sticky.

I've been surrounded the past couple days by gorgeous hills, building into the Appalachians. Covered with vibrant green trees and often skirted in mist. A friend and I trekked to a lookout point yesterday, and it was well worth the climb. I even decided to take another route to the same location later in the day. I wondered how many miles I could see from that vantage point. A lot. Funny how even when our perspective is expanded, we still have no clue how much, or how little, of the big picture we're actually seeing.

God gave me a glimpse of the big picture today. My schedule was hectic, and the time in which I thought I could easily fit in a short hike suddenly flooded with trouble-shooting and adjustments. But God was beckoning me to spend some time with him. Because I was expected to soon be encouraging a large group of women, helping them laugh with each other and dance in God's presence, I knew that if I kept on my own course, I'd be zapped of energy and enthusiasm. So I did something I don't do often enough. I said "no" to an obligation and said "yes" to God. And I hiked to the lookout point I'd visited yesterday.

The climb was steep. And I started thinking how being obedience to God is not easy. Obedience challenges me. But I do better with it when I'm well-equipped. For hiking, my map and water are musts. For obedience, constant communication with God. Through his word, prayer, worship. So as I climbed, I took each step for him. When I stopped to take a drink, I savored God's words to me. When a heard the sounds of the hills, I listened for his voice. When I reached the top and marvelled again at the complexity and beauty of his creation, I raised my face to his in worship.

The hike down was just as challenging physically, and spiritually, God reminded me that I can go too fast sometimes and get caught up in the rush of everyday life. I was walking back to my obligations and daily life, but with renewed purpose. Only God knew the challenges waiting for me at the bottom of that mountain top, but I sure am thankful I chose obedience today, so he could prepare me in his providential way.

Send out your light and your truth;let them guide me.Let them lead me to your holy mountain,to the place where you live. - Psalm 43:3 (NLT)