Obedience Flowing from Gratitude

The Christian life is not a desperate attempt to earn God's love or acceptance. Through the finished work of Jesus Christ, we have already been forgiven, accepted and made righteous before God. Therefore, our obedience is not the price we pay to receive His love; it is our grateful response to the love He has freely given us. Religion says, “Obey so that God will love you.” Grace says, “Because God loves you, you can now obey Him.” This understanding changes obedience from a heavy burden into an expression of love. When we remember the mercy God has shown us, the sins He has forgiven and the price Jesus paid for our redemption, our hearts should respond with thanksgiving and willing surrender. Grace does not encourage careless living. The same grace that saves us also teaches and empowers us to reject ungodliness and live in a way that honours God. We do not obey because we are afraid of condemnation; there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. We obey because we value our relationship with the One who gave everything for us. Gratitude produces genuine obedience. A thankful heart will ask, “Lord, how can I please You today?” It will influence the way we speak, treat others, conduct our businesses, serve in church and respond to the leading of the Holy Spirit. Whenever obedience becomes difficult, remember the cross. Remember that Jesus obeyed the Father completely and gave Himself for you. Let His love become the motivation behind your choices. Do not serve God reluctantly or merely to impress people. Let everything you do flow from a heart that sincerely says, “Father, thank You for loving me.”