WEDNESDAY, MAY 19
[Jesus said] “If you love me, obey my commandments.”
John 14:15 (NLT)
LOVE GOD, LOVE PEOPLE – KEYS: FEEDING THE LAMBS
Melvin Maughmer, Jr. writes, When I was in the U.S. Army, I remember we had to pull guard duty many times. The purpose of guard duty was to ensure that other soldiers, equipment, or areas were protected from the enemy. I can recall that in basic training, or boot camp, we had to memorize three general orders and the first one was, “I will guard everything within the limits of my post and quit my post only when properly relieved.”
When we were properly relieved, there was a password that was spoken between the person on guard duty and the one that was relieving them. If the improper password was given, you were not properly relieved. The safety of all that was being guarded depended upon you, the person on guard duty. If something went wrong or the enemy was able to get access into that which you were responsible for guarding, then you were held accountable and punishment was inevitable.
( Melvin Maughmer, Jr., Guard Duty)
A good soldier obeys the commands he’s been given because ultimately something important is at stake. A good Christian obeys Jesus’ commands because they love Jesus and something important is also at stake. The motivation for obeying God is primarily a love for God. However, there are also costly consequences to sin and disobedience.
Reflection
Are there any areas of disobedience in your walk with Jesus? Proverbs 4:23 says, “Guard your heart above all else, for it is the source of life.” Do you have any safeguards in place to ensure your heart stays loyal to Jesus?
Praise
Thank God for the protection that obedience brings. Ask Him to help you lovingly obey His commands.
