Better Than Sacrifice

We have a GPS which directs us how to get to destinations. Recently, my husband and I were traveling and we decided to take another route different from what the GPS was directing us to do. The further we got away from the guided instructions the more it continued to re-route us back to the path of the freeway. We would pass a street and it would tell us to turn around yet we kept going straight the way we knew was a short cut. The machine would speak from time to time and say “re-calculating” yet each time it would re-calculate it would send us back in the direction which we came.

Eventually, we got back on course with its directions but it never stopped re-calculating and directing us. God does something similar. He tells us to do something and we might start off doing what He directs but some how we find a short cut and get off course. Each time we go the opposite way of God he then re-calculates our position and redirects us so we can get back in gear with His plan.

Following directions is merely obeying. According to Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary, the definition of obey is as follows: 1. To give ear to; to execute the commands of; to yield submission to; to comply with the orders of; 2. To submit to the authority of; to be ruled by; 3. To yield to the impulse, power, or operation of; as, a ship obeys her helm.

The word obey is typically thought of as a slavery term. Many confuse obeying as a form of power. We don’t want to do what we are asked to do by God because we feel a sense of helplessness. Some people are so offended by the word that they take it out of the marriage ceremony. The Bible does say submit and obey, doesn’t it? "Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ" (Ephesians 5:21).

To submit to your spouse is a submission to the Lord. Many want their children to obey them. Managers expect the employees to obey them but when it comes to obeying the spouse better yet obeying the Lord; all brakes are in full force.

I am sure you are obeying your boss at work. I know you are being a great example of obedience to your children. Of course you are displaying submission to your spouse.

Right, Many are willing to follow the Word of God only if it does not upset their comfort level. The word is not based on your condition. How is your level of obeying? Are you getting further from what you are asked to do? Are you coaching yourself to believe that your sacrifice is sufficient rather than your obedience? Don’t allow a short cut to cut you off from the Lord.

Consider pleasing the Father and follow His instructions. Ask the Lord to forgive you from being disobedient. Pray to the Father to give you power to do as you are told. Request to God the wisdom you need to stay on course. For obedience is better than sacrifice.