Okay. Fair warning. I have lots to cover.

What came to mind, as God instilled these words in my head, was a psalm and a song it had inspired.

The psalm:

Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit.

Psalm‬ ‭51‬:‭10‬-‭12‬ ‭ESV

The song: Create in Me a Clean Heart by Keith Green

The main point for me was having a right spirit. So often when we think of obedience, we think of judgement and the law, but I’d like to consider some verses that might change your thinking.

If you love me, obey my commandments.

Those who accept my commandments and obey them are the ones who love me. And because they love me, my Father will love them. And I will love them and reveal myself to each of them.

John‬ ‭14‬:‭15‬, ‭21‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Jesus explains that it is out of love, not threat of punishment, that people obey his commandments. And what are his commandments?

You are to love the Lord Yahweh, your God, with a passionate heart, from the depths of your soul, with your every thought, and with all your strength. This is the great and supreme commandment.

Mark‬ ‭12‬:‭30‬ ‭TPT

But I am giving you a new command. You must love each other, just as I have loved you. If you love each other, everyone will know that you are my disciples.

John‬ ‭13‬:‭34‬-‭35‬ ‭CEV

So look at it this way, love leads to obedience, which leads to more love. They are intertwined.

Think of it from another view: God as Father. In a perfect world with perfect fathers, we would obey, knowing they loved us and were giving us boundaries and discipline because they wanted to protect and guide us.

My child, don’t reject the Lord’s discipline, and don’t be upset when he corrects you. For the Lord corrects those he loves, just as a father corrects a child in whom he delights.

Proverbs‬ ‭3‬:‭11‬-‭12‬ ‭NLT‬‬

A father who neglects his children’s discipline is considered uncaring. A father who abuses his authority is corrupt. They don’t know the value of the role God has given them.

This is the point where I felt I should warn you. I have more to show you. Let’s look at a few scriptures of what it looks like to walk in obedience.

He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?

Micah‬ ‭6‬:‭8‬ ‭ESV‬‬

Blessed are the poor in spirit… Blessed are those who mourn… Blessed are the meek… Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness…. Blessed are the merciful… Blessed are the pure in heart… Blessed are the peacemakers…

Matthew‬ ‭5‬:‭3‬-‭9‬ ‭ESV

Be cheerful with joyous celebration in every season of life. Let your joy overflow! And let gentleness be seen in every relationship, for our Lord is ever near.

Keep your thoughts continually fixed on all that is authentic and real, honorable and admirable, beautiful and respectful, pure and holy, merciful and kind. And fasten your thoughts on every glorious work of God, praising him always.

Philippians‬ ‭4‬:‭4‬-‭5‬, ‭8‬ ‭TPT

Now that Christ has come, our view of God transforms from fear to awe, freeing us to live in love.

For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.

2 Timothy‬ ‭1‬:‭7‬ ‭NLT‬‬

There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love.

1 John‬ ‭4‬:‭18‬ ‭ESV‬‬

We who are in Christ, who obey his command to love, are loved perfectly. Living in fear of punishment should no longer be on our radar.

I hope this helped someone. Or many someones.

Grace & Peace,

Sandy

Image from Canva