Opportunities for Obedience

2 perspectives on being obedient to God:

1. "I have to be obedient to God & follow his rules or else..." (Obligation)
2. "I get the privilege of being obedient to God when He gives me opportunity" (Opportunity)

Which line of thought do you usually take?

Let me give an example:

I was talking to J on the phone this morning (he's a young crop farmer in our church). He was so excited to tell me something that happened to him yesterday. One of his farm hands (an 82 yr. old man) lost his last sibling the other day & had been down & disturbed by it. J was talking to him about it & felt compelled to ask whether he ever trusted Jesus w/ his life. The man said no but wanted to & right there on the farm prayed & trusted his life to Jesus. J not only encouraged him to share his good news w/ the other farm hands but J is going to church w/ him on Sunday & walking w/ him to publically profess his faith in Jesus.

J never said he felt the pressure of obligation, but rather became aware of the incredible opportunity God gave him to be obedient. When we see God giving us opportunities to be obedient & respond rather than only feeling the guilt of obligation to be obedient, it will not only change our perspective but begin to revolutionize our relationship with Jesus.

Pay attention today for the opportunities of obedience God will give you.