The Reward for Obedience

 

“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.”

—John 15:10

Compared to children today, my childhood was severely disadvantaged. Why? Because today, children often receive rewards for good behavior. In my childhood, I was expected to obey without any reward. The obedience was its own reward. Can you imagine that?

If you are anywhere near my own age, you are laughing right now. You grew up the same way I did. We were not bribed to behave. We were simply expected to behave. If anything, we were warned of dire consequences if we failed to behave.

But, even in God’s economy, obedience to His will and His written Word have some startlingly real benefits. Note these words of Jesus, as recorded in John 15:10:

“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.”

Obedience secures our place connected to the vine of God’s love and grace. Not that we can do anything to earn God’s love. Quite to the contrary—God gives us His love freely. But, for our own benefit, our own nourishment, our own health, we need to remain connected to the vine of God’s divine provision. That’s what John 15 is all about.

As we begin this new day, let’s take time to read through John 15. As we read the words of Jesus, let’s rejoice that in our obedience we choose to remain connected to the nourishing vine of God’s love and grace.

 

_{Copyright © 2018 by Dean K. Wilson. All Rights Reserved.}

_{More info at www.DeanKWilson.com}