Let’s Get Ready to Rumble (Round 2)
Round 2:
Radical Obedience
Last week we began our three part series discussing how we can become victorious over the battle with our flesh, and defeat sin.
The topic previously- “Spiritual Discipline”
There are several things we can do, which will help us remain close to Christ, while at the same time, killing the enemy that seeks to destroy us. In-depth bible study, intentional times of prayer and focused fasting throughout the year are all powerful tools to aid in the cosmic battle we are waging with the darkness.
Please make sure to go back and read last week’s post, if you haven’t already, so you don’t miss out on all the excellent information.
The bell just sounded! Time for round two, so grab those boxing gloves, slide them on and let’s get to it!
Obedience
When you hear this word, what are the first thoughts that pop in your head? What types of emotions, stir within you?
This term can carry with it a wide variety of connotations, which can swing wildly between, “I’m gonna need to hit the pause button and think about this for a second before acting”, to “Yay, let’s do this!”.
Those who may have had a poor experience with someone in leadership who was manipulative and controlling, could have a very bitter taste in their mouth regarding obeying authority figures. Walls tend to be built as an act of self preservation, and they are not easily toppled.
On the flip side, if an individual encountered supervisors who shepherded them with wisdom and compassion, their willingness to surrender control comes much more easily. When you know someone with authority over you, has your best interest in mind and wishes to see you succeed, you have a high level of trust in that person.
As with everything in our lives, our experiences shape our behavior. But, what if the learned behavior goes against biblical teaching? What if what you think is a method of protection for your heart, is actually sin? Even deeper still, what if you are simply living in full rebellion, trying desperately to remain in control, desiring to call all the shots?
Building on a firm foundation
Luke 6:46
“Why do you call Me, Lord, Lord and do not [practice] what I tell you?”
This is a question Jesus posed to the crowd of thousands of followers, curious onlookers and seekers during His famous, Sermon on the Mount. It’s an inquiry that is not antiquated and outdated, and still holds much weight for us today. It is a great question we all must take seriously.
If you have made Jesus Christ Lord of your life, then there are certain obligations you are required to fulfill in order to please Him, and more importantly, to show as a sign of your total surrender to the King of Kings.
There is nothing the devil loves more, than to see a child of God, acting out in rebellion and disobedience. Whether this is birthed from the manipulation of demonic forces, or merely an act of stubborn flesh and will, it matters not. In your act of defiance, you are possibly projecting several things:
You are calling God a liar
Does that sound a little harsh? Maybe, but let me break this down for you in an example. God has commanded us to not be anxious, worry or fear for tomorrow. He is our provider and sustainer. He has it covered. (Matt 6:36, Phil 4:19, 2 Peter 1:3, Psalm 23:1) Then a situation arises, and the outcome looks uncertain. You cry, stress, pace, lose sleep, talk to anyone who will listen and try to figure out a solution to handle the problem. The thing you didn’t do was pray and trust. God already told you, He is your all in all. He loves to take care of His children, but most of the time we are so busy “fixing” the problem, because our anxiety hits the ceiling and we need to be in control, He doesn’t even get the opportunity to prove His faithfulness. Walking in disobedience to what He has told us, is a behavior that says, “I know You said, You will take care of my every need, but I don’t trust You. I don’t believe You.”
It is an act of willful sinning
For example: The Lord has called us to be holy, as He is holy. (1 Peter 1:16) We are to flee all manner of sexual sin and perversion. (1 Corthin. 6:18) “But, what is the harm in reading those romance novels? It’s just a book. Sure it has some steamy stuff in it, but it’s not like I’m doing anything wrong.” Allowing yourself “grace room” in areas the scriptures have been very clear about, is clearly rebellion. No matter how you justify your actions, you are without excuse. Christ told us if you even look at another woman (or man) and have lust in your heart, you have already committed adultery. Why is He so harsh about this? Because thoughts lead to action. Now, hear me out- I’m not saying, reading trashy romance novels or watching steamy, love movies is going to lead you down a path of infidelity, but what you need to understand is how human nature works. You read all those fantasy’s, full of excitement and “true love” and then you begin to feel discontented in your marriage. You long for the fairy tale life you read about. You desire passion, but cannot seem to feel that toward your spouse. This seemingly innocent past time, can breed contempt within your heart very quickly. Keep spiraling down the hole, and it will lead you to places you never dreamed you would go. God’s boundaries are to keep us safe, not to be a kill joy. When He tells us to avoid things, we need to heed and follow His direction at all costs. Walk where He has told you to walk and remain free!
You leave the door open for satan to get a foothold
The devil is the original gangster when it comes to rebellion. He sinned against God the Father, and was thrown out of Heaven, with no hope of return. He managed to convince one third of the angelic host to follow in his defiance against the Creator, and now his mission is to persuade you as well. Eve was the first target, and he hasn’t slowed down since. When you disobey, you are coming into agreement with the Father of Lies. You are acting just like him, when you say in your heart, “I know what you have told me to do, Lord, but I know better, and I will handle it from here.” You are giving permission for the darkness to start ruling over your life, because once you disobey, it gets easier to compromise the next time, and the next, and the next. Before long, you have slid to the bottom of a very deep pit, looking up and wondering how you will ever climb back out. This is the enemy’s ultimate goal. To pull, drag, tempt, tease, manipulate, connive, push, shove and weasel his way into controlling your actions, thoughts and behavior. Living a life of rebellion? You’re operating on the devil’s playground, and it’s a game you will never win. The rules are constantly changing, and your opponent is a lying cheat. Good luck with that.
So, back to the original question Jesus asked the crowd- “Why do you call me Lord, Lord, and do not practice what I tell you?”
You are either in, or you’re out.
You are either hot, or cold.
Up or down.
Left or right.
There are no grey areas when it comes to walking this life with our Lord and Savior. He calls you to come and die, crucify your flesh daily, take up your cross and follow Him. He does not mince words or sugar coat. We can either choose to live in utter surrender to all that He is asking of us, or face the consequences.
And yes- there will be dire repercussions for the sin of disobedience. But, don’t take my word for it- let’s hear what Jesus has to say as he continues his conversation in Luke.
“For everyone who comes to Me and listens to My words [in order to heed their teaching] and does them, I will show you what he is like: He is like a man building a house, who dug and went down deep and laid a foundation upon the rock; and when a flood arose, the torrent broke against that house and could not shake or move it, because it had been securely built or founded on a rock. But, he who merely hears and does not practice doing My words is like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation, against which the torrent burst, and immediately it collapsed and fell, and the breaking and ruin of the house was great.” (emphasis added)
John 6:47-49 (Amp)
We can clearly see the contrast our Lord paints for us, in the closing remarks of the Sermon on the Mount.
Our obedience to the commands of Christ, is our firm foundation and hope in this world that is full of turmoil and trouble. When we walk in full compliance to His teachings, there is a peace which surrounds you nothing can take, no matter how strong the winds may blow and seas roar.
In other words, obedience equals:
Safety
Peace
Assurance
Hope
Provision
Comfort
Protection
Strength
Wisdom
In the opposing corner, rebellion will lead to our ultimate destruction. Notice the man in Jesus’ illustration is trying to build his house without a foundation. My husband and I had the privilege of building our house several years ago, and I can assure you, without the proper foundation, your construction will not withstand the harsh elements of nature.
The man seems to know what he is doing, after all, the scripture does say he built a house, but “thinking” you know how to accomplish something, and having the necessary skills and knowledge to actually complete the project are not the same thing.
It reminds me of the old Holiday Inn Express commercials. The one where we see a guy dressed in scrubs, in an operating room. He is asking for tools, vitals and then says, “Ok, let’s close him up.” Pulling his surgical mask down, one of the nurses exclaims, “You’re not Dr Stewart!” The man looks at her and states, “No, but I did stay at a Holiday Inn Express last night.”
You can look the part by dressing in your Sunday best, smile on your face as you greet others when coming into the church doors, even raise your hands in worship, but if you refuse to walk in obedience with the Word of the Lord, you are a rebellious sinner merely acting as a Christian poser. You lack just as much wisdom, as the man trying to build his house without the proper building code. GREAT will be your destruction when the storms and trials come.
I understand, there will be times when we allow our flesh to lead and we make the wrong choices, speak incorrect words or simply do what we want out of selfish desires. Other times, the Lord will call us to do something and it will be very hard and scary and we punk out. We are human, and we will struggle with obedience; but in those moments of weakness, repent quickly and realign your thinking back to the One Who should direct your every step.
Living a life marked with complete, total, all in, no holds bars obedience, is one of the most powerful weapons we have in our battle against sin. There is a shield that is placed over your mind, heart and body, which will quench every fiery dart of the enemy. The key to peace? Obedience. (Isaiah 48:17-18, Psalm 119:165, Proverbs 3:1-2)
Choose you this day whom you will serve…
The devil is a lair. He is the ruler who manipulates and controls to maintain power over your life. He is a harsh task master, using fear and intimidation to keep you hidden in the shadows and locked away in isolation. He brings chaos, drama and hopelessness, as he burns everything down in his path, with no regard of the carnage left behind.
God is a Father full of wisdom, love and tender care for His children. He shepherds with all wisdom and compassion, for He wants the best for his flock. He leads with a strong, yet firm hand, correcting from a place of love, and the desire to see his children succeed. He gave the life of His only Son, just to show you the great love He has for you, and to make a way for you to come back home.
Choosing a life of obedience to God, will be the best decision you will ever make. I leave you with a promise He made, for those who decide to comply with the Lord’s holy word.
“And the effect of righteousness will be peace [internal and external], and the result of righteousness will be quietness and confident trust forever. My people shall dwell in a peaceable habitation, in safe dwellings, and in quiet resting-places.”
-Isaiah 32: 17-18 (Amp)