obedience in a nutshell

obedience... it often reminds us of doing what was told right?

throughout the week before, i've been bombarded with truths from this simple word. to me, obedience is usually associated with actions, and it hit me that it doesn't just talks about doing. it talks about listening too.

have you ever done something without listening to full instructions? have you ever cut in half of someones sentences and talk as though you knew everything? well, i have... in fact, i do that quite often... i sincerely apologize for doing that. i find it annoying to be honest whenever i intercept someone's sentences...

okay, not only i am being bombarded with this word throughout the week, but on thursday, everything that has been spoken to me is confirmed by the sharing by kenneth liew @ cellgroup... (i've been writing down things that i have learnt during my day and during other people's sharing, i find this useful because it shows how faithfully God is speaking to us about certain things.)

well, he was sharing from James 2:18-3:2... his example was about Abraham offering Isaac when God told him to. He did so without hesitating, believing that God will provide (Genesis 22). Faith without action is dead... Abraham offered Isaac who was his priority. What is my priority? well, myself, my needs and my everything! Am i able to offer myself fully / wholly to God? i doubt i will because i consciously stop myself from giving. i ALWAYS instruct God.. i talk more often than God... (yup, my confession)

that leads to his second point: Taming the tongue (james 3:3) *hit in the head* I talk and talk and talk... when will it be tamed so that God can speak? have i mismanaged my tongue? yes... have i destroyed a person by saying things that will hurt? yes... have i blest someone with my tongue? oh yes... how can i bless and curse at the same time? double standard i guess... (my confession of weakness)

crap, this is not in a nutshell... whatever lar.. u're still reading.. :p

obedience... when will we ever learn to humble ourselves to listen and do without complaining? we talk because we think we know.. we don't listen because we think we're smart.. humans are not smart... not able... but needy and prideful... we always want more and more.. and when things don't go our way, we insist and change things around us to suit ourselves more... thus resulting in disobedience...

obedience is not an impossible task... it may seem impossible.. *i work in a bookstore.. i agree with "do not judge a book by its cover") many potential people surrender themselves to the lies of this impossible task.. obedience requires understanding of instructions... you do not understand? well, ask the one who is instructing you! haha.. what is God telling you today? is he requiring your obedience? if yes, talk to him and ask him how you can be obedient to him... seek to please him by obeying him...

"If you love me, obey me..."

Will you listen to instructions? Will you make a choice to obey? And will you obey it by doing exactly what has been told without editing any instructions?

Lord, you have taught me to listen to your instructions. You have also taught me to do it according to your time. Lord I pray that you will sustain me during this time of trials. May I look back and rejoice at how far you have brought me through. Amen.

please feel free comment if you have anything to say... :)