March 11: Insight Post by Rusty Coram
Wednesday Insight Post
by Rusty Coram
Counterintuitive. I’ve thought about this a lot recently. Do I obey God because I feel joyful and happy, or do I obey Him out of love and devotion? If I am struggling and not feeling content or peaceful, do I choose to honor and obey God anyway, or do I give myself a pass because “I’m just not feeling it!”Jesus gives us the model to follow and the perspective we need:
“10When you obey my commandments, you remain in my love, just as I obey my Father’s commandments and remain in his love. 11 I have told you these things so that you will be filled with my joy. Yes, your joy will overflow!” John 15:10–11 (NLT)
It seems to me that Jesus links trusting and obeying God with joy as a by-product. This is sobering and important. It is easy to do what is right when it feels good. It is a very different thing when we are feeling hurt, exhausted, uncertain, or afraid. It is even harder when obeying God leads us into suffering that could be avoided if we chose not to follow His lead.
Jesus doesn’t just give us some lofty, inspiring words; He sets the example and shows us the way. This passage from the New Testament is challenging and encouraging (underline is mine):
“1And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. 2 We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne. 3 Think of all the hostility he endured from sinful people; then you won’t become weary and give up. 4 After all, you have not yet given your lives in your struggle against sin.” Hebrews 12:1-4 (NLT)
Rusty Coram
Senior Pastor
New Hope Church
Lorton, Virginia
www.newhope.org