I did a little research on the Internet to see why rebels are popular characters in novels and movies. One author wrote, “Everybody loves a bad boy.”
We often elevate the “free spirit” or “mischievous” giving them accolades for being “unique” or more “imaginative.”
Those who “color outside the lines” are esteemed. This idiom implies rules are not followed, thought processes are more creative, and behavior is unconventional.1
Yet the Bible teaches it is in obedience that we become Christ-like, the image of God just as we were created.
Jen Wilkin writes in her book “Ten Words to Live By,” “Lawfulness is Christlikeness. To obey the law is to look like Jesus Christ.” She adds that legalism is a form of lawlessness because it is external righteousness only, not true transformation.2
Often, we equate obedience with legalism, but Jesus tells us, “If you love me, you will keep my commandments.” [John 14:15]
John 15:9-10—“As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love.”
Abide in the original Greek is meno, which is to remain in or with someone. It is to remain united with Christ, one with Him in heart, mind, and will. To remain steadfast, persevering in Christ’s love.3
The apostle John writes: “This is the love of God, that we keep his commandments. And his commandments are not burdensome.”
Equating obedience with agape love, that intense, intelligent love that wills the best for another, causes me to seek guidance from my Helper, my Counselor, the Holy Spirit. Agape love is an act of the will but it can’t be accomplished by willpower. It is a work of the Spirit within us.
When I follow Scripture, I do what is best for others and that brings glory to God for I reflect Him.
We want to bring Him glory because we love Him, and we do so by becoming the people He created in His image. And His Word tells us what those people look like.
They are people who make decisions with the best interest of others in mind.
Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Phil 2:4
They are people who willingly give others a cup of sugar or money even though the borrower may not pay them back.
“But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return, and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, for he is kind to the ungrateful and the evil. Luke 6:35
They are prepared to give the message of salvation through Jesus Christ not wanting anyone to perish.
But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect. 1 Peter 3:15
It is in obedience to God’s Word that we are just like our Father.
Let’s Talk:
1-How has the Holy Spirit helped you understand how to put Scripture into practice?
2-What lessons has the Holy Spirit taught you about walking in love?
References:
1-grammarist.com.
2-Ten Words to Live By, Delighting in and Doing What God Commands by Jen Wilkin. Published by Crossway in Wheaton, Ill.
3-The Complete Word Study Dictionary New Testament by Spiros Zodhiates Th.D.