Devotions: Love and Obey

Teach me to do Your will,
For You are my God;
Let Your good Spirit lead me on level ground.

Psalm 143:10 New American Standard Bible (NASB)

Many people differ and even argue on what our motive for serving God should be. Some feel it is just out of duty, that it is to gain salvation (which is unbiblical), and so either obey outwardly and rebel inwardly, or don’t obey at all because they know that is wrong. Others don’t think we have to obey, that it is an Old Testament thing that we no longer need now that we have salvation through Jesus (which is also unbiblical). But the real reason we should obey God is because He is God. He has saved us from hell and sin. That should invoke our deepest love and gratitude. That should be the reason why we obey. Jesus Himself said that if we love Him we will obey Him. It is not to get anything from Him, or out of duty because we have to, but out of grateful love. He has given everything for us, what other response is there but to give everything back? But we don’t have to do it alone. If we ask, He will help us. Who better to help and teach us to do His will that God Himself? Let His Spirit lead us, He will not go astray. He will take us on the straightest paths, on level ground. Even when we go through the valley of shadow, He will guide us and keep us from falling. Seek God, seek His help and direction in obedience, let Him lead you.