47 Because you did not serve the Lord your God with joyfulness and gladness of heart, because of the abundance of all things, 48 therefore you shall serve your enemies whom the Lord will send against you, in hunger and thirst, in nakedness, and lacking everything. Deuteronomy 28:47,48 ESV
So much of Deuteronomy concerns itself with what the Jewish people must do or not do in order to receive God's blessings. Eat this, not this. Sacrifice a bull, but make sure the fat is treated thus and so. Better make plans for the Passover, Feast of Weeks, and Feast of Booths. It is no wonder God ordained an entire tribe to read and remind the rest of the nation of the commandments and requirements.
God's blessings were contingent upon obedience to these commandments, but God also moves beyond robot-like obedience and addresses the heart. Obedience is still required, but "joyfulness and gladness of heart" are mentioned. A remembrance of God's blessings during service.
How often is our Christian witness tarnished in the workplace because we grumble about an act of service we have been called upon to perform? Driving an ailing parent to the doctor is treated like a chore. Having to attend a meeting at work is done with much grumbling. A Sunday morning golf game is turned down with a "gotta' go to church" frown rather than an excited response about the pastor's sermon series.
Is grumbling obedience better than disobedience? I am not sure there is any difference in God's eyes. Both are sin. Both damage the relationship. Both hurt our Father's heart.
Obedience goes beyond action. It speaks also to attitude. Pray that your hands and heart will both be obedient to God today.
No comments:
Post a Comment