Obedience is deep

Our pastors message this week* was on serving in obedience, and he made some outstanding points, some that caused me to cringe. He comedically referred to washing feet, but then challenged us to look for opportunities to serve. He talked about how some can complain that a message's content isn't "deep enough", then stated the truth that OBEDIENCE IS DEEP.

I could totally relate to his confessions of blaring imperfection, choosing convenience over service, and wanting the perks of the faith (eternal salvation, God's presence, forgiveness, fellowship, you know...) without really serving. You know, the stinky-foot-washing kind. (John 13:1-15)

YES, OBEDIENCE IS DEEP.

I looked at my own life, which can seem pretty "vanilla" from the outside, but when I really examine myself before God's light, I must ask myself...

"am I truly obedient" ? (Mark 9:33-35)

~

Do I pray for all my enemies, always look for opportunities to serve, and do my absolute best to keep a gentle spirit? No.

But, does my spirit grieve when I pass up thet heroic opportunity to be humble, to turn the other cheek, or hold back that tongue? You bet.

I pray that wherever you are right now in Christ,

comfy and salty or new and discovering... that you will examine your motives as God has led me to do myself, and ask yourself a question:

Do my lifestyle choices reveal that I serve from obedience?

As for me, it is time to take inventory, because I am sure there is more that I can do for the One who gave all. (Mark 10:45)

May God bless you with His power and presence as you keep Him first in all that you do.

"If you try to keep life for yourself, you will lose it.

But if you give up your life for my sake and for the sake of the Good News, you will find true life".

~Jesus~

Mark 8:35 (NLT)

(*) Shoot me an email and I will email you the link to pastor Doug's sermon video.