True Discipleship = Obedience

Week 26, Monday

Ginger Spradlin

Jesus answered and said to him, “If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our abode with him. He who does not love Me does not keep My words; and the word which you hear is not Mine, but the Father’s who sent Me.”

John 14:23-24 (nasb)

Many Christians today think of discipleship in terms of knowledge or mastering biblical data. We may go to countless Bible study classes in an effort to learn more about God and His Word. However, the words of Jesus indicate that real discipleship is not measured in terms of knowledge, but rather obedience.

When I was a little girl I obeyed my father because I didn’t want to face the consequences of my disobedience, but as I matured my motivation changed from fear of consequences to a love and respect for my father. I loved my father and I knew that my father loved me. I knew I could trust him. I couldn’t bear the thought of hurting or disappointing him. How much more is that the case with our heavenly Father? As we learn to love Him more, we desire to obey Him more. Our obedience will be motivated by our deep love and respect for Him.

It is quite easy to merely say we love Jesus or to lift our hands with songs of praise and admiration, but our true love is revealed in whether or not we live for Him. Lip service can be cheap while obedience is an indication of the true condition of our heart. We can and should give ourselves a little test. Do we love Jesus enough to trust Him? Do we do what He says? If not, Jesus made it very clear that we do not love Him.

Lord, I love You! Teach me today to love You even more. Give me a heart that is always willing to say yes to You, yes to anything You say, and yes to anywhere You lead. May my love for you not only be expressed in the words I say, but may my love be revealed in how I live and how I obey You! In Jesus’ name, amen.