Last week I insisted that one of the gymnasts move a new beam skill from a low beam to a high beam using mats stacked under it for safety. She didn’t appreciate my assignment, and a glaring look communicated her annoyance with me at that moment. Today, however, she raced across the gym to tell me she had executed her new skill on the high beam. Her displeasure over the assignment had vanished, because she had gained new understanding and she was proud of her achievement.
God calls me to a life of obedience to Christ through the Holy Spirit. Yet, there are times when His command to obey Him seems particularly difficult, and I resist compliance. Instead, I mutter under my breath at God and tell Him the flaws I see in His request. Then I do many things to avoid Him. These avoidance tactics are my way of expressing my displeasure toward God.
Fortunately, God in Christ does not hold my recalcitrant behavior against me. Through the Spirit He shows me my sin so I can repent, receive forgiveness and gain a greater understanding of Christ’s love.
“If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed my Father’s commands and remain in His love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete” (John 15:10-11).
A life of obedience to Christ is a joyful life in God.
Denise Larson Cooper has a passion for Christ and sharing His Word. A wife and mother of two daughters, Denise currently works as a gymnastic coach.
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Godnesia: Keeping God in Mind Each Day http://amzn.to/2GSquOD
Ordinary Days With an Extraordinary Savior – http://amzn.to/2mFGASBLife Is a Metaphor: Recognizing God in the Everyday – http://amzn.to/2De1rU2