“Thy will be done on earth, as it is done in heaven”. A very well known part of what we call “The Lord’s Prayer”. This statement is one of submission to a higher authority, one of obedience to a will that supersedes one’s own. This is one of the most powerful keys in the Kingdom of God – obedience.
Think about it, in any kingdom there are many bonds that hold the people together. Laws are a particularly strong bond, and without them a kingdom is no more than a collection of lawless people. For instance, all persons born or naturalized into the United Kingdom effectively sign up to uphold the laws that govern the kingdom. If you want to live peacefully in the UK – it makes sense to obey the laws. Lawfulness is a simple requirement for anyone wishing to remain in favour with the authorities.
In many ways the kingdom of God is similar – there are laws that define what citizens do and should not do. However, there is a key difference to how obedience works in God’s kingdom. The difference is in the motivation for obedience. In the UK or any other earthly kingdom, you “do” obedience because you “do” obedience.
Check this out though about God’s kingdom...
Matthew 22: 36-38 “Teacher, what is the greatest commandment within the law? Jesus replied “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment”.
John 14:15 “If you love me, you will obey my commands”
In God’s kingdom, obedience is a product of love. I do not have to “love” Queen Elizabeth or David Cameron to obey the laws of the UK. Even if I did love them, my obedience will not be seen as any different to that of a man who detests them.
In God’s kingdom, love rules – because love is the ultimate connection. Everything that God has given us – including the life of Christ – was given out of love (John 3:16). Obedience borne out of love is the key to unlocking the goodness of the Kingdom of God. It is the key to great joy and the full measure of God’s favour.
If God’s greatest will – as stated clearly by Jesus – is that we LOVE, and this love is the catalyst for obedience, we need, friends, to go beyond simply declaring ourselves as Christians, while still conforming to the rules of as world that has clearly gone out of kilter with God’s will.
No more trying to bend God to the will of man. Lets live the kingdom way!
I’ll stop here today – but will be back with more on obedience...
God bless you.
