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The Significance of Obedience in the Life of a Follower of Jesus Christ

For the last 8 months, the Lord's work in my life has been nothing short of incredible. I've been equipped with courage, strength, perseverance, and a passion for the Word that still amazes me. To be honest, these are things that I have desired for a long time, but it hasn't been until recently that they have begun to be lived out in my life. I'd like to explore some of the changes that I have made that I feel have been vitally important in fanning these flames of passion for Jesus Christ. Not that I have achieved any of this by my own doing, but choosing obedience allows the floodgates to open (if you will) and let God work through us more completely.

Hebrews 12:1-2 says "Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God."

Let's unpack what this verse has to say regarding obedience.

Why should we be obedient? "Since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses." We have a cheering section looking down on us. Real spirits of real people who have been victorious in Jesus Christ rooting for us to run the race and finish strong are watching how our lives glorify God Almighty. That sounds like a great reason to be able to say the same words that Paul says in 2 Timothy 4:7 "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith."

What should our response be in light of these witnesses? Obedience! "Let us lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely." Notice how it doesn't say "wait for God to lay aside the things that hinder us" but rather charges us with the duty of lightening our load. It was about a week and a half ago that I realized the significance of this idea. I was praying one morning asking God to continue to work in my heart and in my life and sharing with Him the joy that I have felt in my movement towards obedience. God spoke as clearly as He ever has before to me and I realized just how significant it was to cast aside the weight and sin in my life. I felt as if God was saying "Matt, I am able to work through you because of the things you have cast aside. You are learning that I am the treasure that you've sought your entire life. Watch what I can do now that you've cast aside these weights!" It was a moment of clarity that I will cherish my entire life. While God deserves the glory for all the work He has done in my life, obedience clearly allows Him to work more effectively through me.

What does obedience allow us to do? Obedience allows us to run the race effectively. For most of us, this race is a marathon. However, if we are running it effectively, it gets easier unlike that 26 miler in Boston. As a follower of Christ, can you run the race surrounding yourself with temptations and living contrary to the will of God? Sure. Will it be much fun or fruitful? Absolutely not. As I have become more physically fit largely due to running, I have realized that weighing less definitely helps endurance, breathing, speed, and strength. It is the exact same in the Christian life. The more rubbish we cast aside, the more clearly we see God for who He is and the more capable we become in living for Him.

Where do we fix our eyes during this endurance trial? "looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith" Consider this carefully. Jesus not only founded our faith but He continues to perfect it. Philippians 1:6 states this same idea: "And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ." What a wonderful hope!

Think of just how much Jesus Christ loves you. While you were a sinner and apart from God, Christ became your sin and paid the price that our just God required be paid. Not only that, but Jesus calls us His friends in John 15:13: "Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends." He gave His life willingly out of the joy the Father set before Him. That is love, friends! How I long to love the way that Christ loves!

What I've discovered is that obedience is a big piece of loving the way that Christ loves. John 14:15 says "If you love me, you will keep my commandments." The notes from the ESV Study Bible describe it this way "True love manifests itself in willing obedience."

So I ask you the same questions that I have been asking myself. How much does your life indicate that you love Jesus Christ? Are you straining towards obedience because of the love you have for your Lord and Savior? Do you outwardly show that you love the Lord as much as you say you do?

Let us all aspire to love Jesus Christ in a way that compels us to live a life of obedience, which allows the light of Christ to shine brightly in this dark world!

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