This morning when I rolled out of bed and fell on my knees for my morning prayer, a scripture verse popped in my head.
“But why do you call Me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do the things which I say?”
Luke 6:46
Convicting is it not? Especially if that is the first thing that pops in your head when you think, you are a good Christian. The reality is that no matter how good we are, we fall short unless we exhibit complete obedience. God knows, there is no room for cutting corners when it comes to following Him.
Fellow Christians, I have a confession. Yesterday was a rough day, professionally and personally. I was not the “light of the world” (reference Matthew 5:16) like our good Lord expects us to be. I was anti-light, I got angry at people for not carrying their weight. I was focussed internally, lots of me and very little of Jesus and others.
Mind you, it was a stressful day. It was OK for me to be stressed, but I did not take it to Jesus. I did not pause and my nature of old took charge and tried to set things straight with an iron fist, no meekness, mercy or kindness.
I want to put Jesus and His commandments above anything in this world. This morning, I was asked to show Him that I love Him instead of just saying it. If I love Him, I would be obedient. If you watch closely to the positioning of the verse in Luke 6:46, it is at the end of the sermon on the mount.
Jesus took time to prepare for that sermon. His expectations are clearly spelled out in Luke 6. We know this is the same sermon in Matthew 5-7. So, my lesson for the day is this. If God Himself came down on earth to share his expectations, make it abundantly clear to me through scripture and the Holy Spirit, what am I waiting for?
If loving Him is our highest priority, we have to get rolling. CarpeDiem Christian! Set your eyes on Him all day today and everyday. Stressors will come and go, but He is constant. Stay your mind on Him.
Dear Jesus,
I confess that I stoop to my old ways every time I yank my hand away from Your loving hand. Please hold on tight because I cannot do this on my own. Teach me to be obedient to You as You were to our Father while here on earth. May I strive to bring You glory today with Your blessing. Amen.