Thoughts on Obedience
I’m reading through the book of Deuteronomy, and I’m struck again at how specific God’s commands were. In Deuteronomy 12:18, God goes so far as to tell the Israelites, “But you must eat them before the LORD your God in the place which the LORD your God chooses … and you shall rejoice before the LORD your God in all to which you put your hands.” Wow. Talk about demanding! If someone told you today that they were only allowed to eat meat in a certain state, you would probably laugh and call them extreme and, yet, that is what God told His people to do in this passage.
It saddens me that many Believers consider obedience to be legalism and, therefore, not necessary. The first definition given at dictionary.com is “strict adherence to law or prescription, especially to the letter rather than the spirit.” Although I agree that some miss the spirit of which a law was given, when talking about God’s laws, it is better to err on the side of strict adherence rather than ignore it. The key is in obeying without developing a self-righteous attitude.
I have friends who keep a Saturday Sabbath, some who observe a Sunday Sabbath, and some who worship on Sunday but don’t believe it’s necessary to keep a Sabbath as such. I know people who believe the dietary laws apply to today and some who have no problem eating pork and shrimp. Some friends wear headcoverings; some don’t. Some wear jewelry and makeup; some feel like that is forbidden. The same could be said of alcohol.
I’m sure we would all agree that there are unquestionably sins, but I think there are other things that are not quite so black and white. These are the areas in which we must learn to give grace to others. If a friend is convicted to do one of the things I mentioned above, it is not my place to convince him or her that they are being legalistic. I believe God will honor their obedience if it is being done out of love for Him. At the same time, I hope my friends will bear with me if my convictions differ from theirs. If a person is sincerely seeking God, He will show them where they need to change. Although I may be the example He uses, I am not the Holy Spirit.
The main thing is to make sure that whatever you are doing is what He wants you to be doing where He wants you to do it. Then move forward in faith.
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