PODCAST
Do I Have To?
January 2nd, 2014
Psalm 119:33-48
Today, and always, we are bid to follow Christ’s example to not just listen to and worship God, but to obey Him. Before His death Jesus told His disciples, “Whoever has my commands and keeps them is the one who loves me” (John 14:21).
Evangelist Patrick Morley says, “The American gospel has evolved into a gospel of addition without subtraction. Many believe we can add Christ to our lives but not subtract sin. We change our belief without changing our character. A changed life is one that has added Christ and has subtracted sin–that attracts a world weary of empty words. Jesus is the answer. Our obedience is the proof.”*
King David learned the consequences of failing to subtract sin from his life. Because he rebelled, David suffered personal grief, God’s public wrath, and the right to build God’s temple. No wonder he sought understanding so he could keep God’s law. Whole-hearted obedience is the product of devotion and allegiance, not rote obligation.
*Patrick Morley, Walking with Christ in the Details of Life, Zondervan Publishing Co., 1998.
Author: Janine Metcalf
