The Gift of Obedience
Folks don’t like constraint. Just ask Adam and Eve. God gave them just one constraint — leave that one tree alone. But they refused to honor it.
We recognize and obey legal constraints. When we get a tax bill, we pay it. When we see a red traffic light, we stop. When we get called for jury duty, we show up.
We understand and obey the constraints of Creation. We don’t try to stand on air. We swim in water rather than trying to walk on it. We use potholders when we get dishes out of the oven.
Sometimes we find it harder to obey God’s stated commandments. Some think they’re old-fashioned. Some think they know better. Some just want to do exactly what they want to do, exactly when and how they want to do it.
I recently quoted from 1 John 5:3 which tells us that God’s commands are not burdensome. Though Jesus confirmed that we need to wear a yoke (and a yoke is certainly a constraint), God’s constraints (His yoke for us) fit us perfectly. When we wear that yoke, we find rest for our souls. Rest. What a beautiful gift.
Obeying God is like giving yourself a gift, and training your children to obey Him is a gift for your children.
“Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden,
and I will give you rest.
Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me,
for I am gentle and humble in heart,
and you will find rest for your souls.
For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”
Matthew 11:28-30