But thanks be to God that you who were once slaves of sin have become obedient from the heart to the standard of teaching to which you were committed, and, having been set free from sin, have become slaves of righteousness.
-Romans 6:17-18
Sometimes I wonder what motivates most people. Is it the notion that obedience is correct or simply because of obligation. An obligation boils down to something we have to do, not necessarily something we want to do. Obedience on the other hand is the willingness to simply obey.
Take for example stop signs and speed limits. There is an obligation to come to a stop at every red octagon and to drive within the determined safe speed for whatever highway, road or street I am on. I am obligated to do so because of the consequences I will face if I don’t. Therefore, I follow these rules not out of obedience, but rather out of obligation. I know this simply because if there is a police vehicle anywhere around me, my stops are overly complete and my speed is a few mph below the limit. In the absence of any law enforcement, well let’s just say things can look very differently.
In contrast, I do not have to be forced or fear the consequences of those things I want to do. Spending time with my family is the obligation of a husband and a father that is a pleasure to partake in. Why? Because I enjoy and am fulfilled in the things I am obedient to.
How we see God and treat our faith and therefore see sin and righteousness can either be from a perspective of obedience or obligation. I think a lot of this has to do with how we were raised. Just like speed limits and stop signs, I can treat my faith including my actions and attendance upon the negative consequences I may endure. I may feel obligated to my religion based on fear and consequences. This has been a major hindrance to many because it stems from a misguided view of an angry God who seeks to enforce His will through condemnation. Just like we fear a speeding ticket, we fear punishment if we get out of line. This obligation overshadows and limits the realization of the true heart of God which Jesus states in John 3:17, For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through Him.
To truly follow Christ in a born-again relationship naturally brings a desire to extend obedience. Our heart has become consumed with God’s truth and love and an unexplainable desire to obey Him and His teachings, including those about sin becomes who we are. As a result, I follow God simply because He is the loving priority of my life and not because I fear what He might do to me if I don’t. The true love God extends to me and the love I extend back to Him and others is not out of obligation, but rather obedience.
How about you? In what ways has obligation kept you from obedience toward Christ?
This brings up the question as to how we are representing Christ to those around us and in this confused, hopeless world? This includes my perception, worldview, words and actions. We are to be ambassadors of Christ in this foreign land in which we live. Am I representing Jesus in an authentic and accurate way? We can only do this if we know Him through the personal relationship He extends to us and through His Word.
So, as we enter a season where the holiday of Christmas is accepted, will we extend the One who is to be exalted?
Jason Metz, lead Pastor
Having spent 27 years on active-duty, I can relate to obligation and obedience. Obligation is pretty much how it rolls during boot camp. But the quicker you can adopt obedience, the more enjoyable your time in the military will be. And when that transforms into “duty,” well, there’s just no limit to what can be accomplished. Luke 17:10