The Do’s and Don’ts of Obedience

Most diets are built on “dos” and “don’ts”.  Don’t eat this type of food.  Do eat another type.  Don’t eat at certain times.  Do eat at other specified times.  Don’t eat too much of this.  Do eat more of that.  For many this regimen is only sustainable for a short period of time.  Ultimately the diet fails.  The flesh is not capable of overcoming the desire to satisfy self.  The people who win at dieting are generally the ones who diet for a higher purpose than losing weight, e. g., “I want to be healthy so I can enjoy my family more.”  

Similarly, obedience to God for obedience sake is doomed for failure.  Obedience to God based on our love for The Lord and our desire to please Him is the way.  We must learn to lean on His Spirit and not our own.