Why Do You Obey?

Have you noticed how people are valued for their possessions? There is the thought that the more you have, the more material things you accumulate the better you are. The value of someone is determined for how much he or she possesses.

This perspective affects the thinking of Christians and leads us to think that if we do not have plenty of material things we are not being blessed. Jesus Christ tells us different in Luke 12:15 "for a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth."

Our value as human beings is not determined by the model or size of the car we drive, or what type of cell phone we use, or how expensive is the clothe we wear. Our value is determined, in God's eyes, by how we treat our neighbor, how is our relationship to Him, how much are we growing in character (values and integrity). Every human being is precious to God in that we were created to His image and likeness and have the incredible potential to be part of His very own family.

Let's ask ourselves the following question: Why do we obey God? For what we can get from Him physically speaking? Is that our main motivation? Satan thinks that way. Speaking of Job Satan said:  "Doth Job fear God for nought? 10 Hast not thou made an hedge about him, and about his house, and about all that he hath on every side? thou hast blessed the work of his hands, and his substance is increased in the land. 11 But put forth thine hand now, and touch all that he hath, and he will curse thee to thy face." (Job 1:9-11)

Satan is a selfish being, he cannot understand that something can be done out of love. He does not understand the meaning of altruism. He thinks everybody has a price. He tried to "buy" Jesus Christ also.  In Mathew 4:8-10 we read the account: "Again, the devil taketh him up into an exceeding high mountain, and sheweth him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them; 9 And saith unto him, All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me. 10 Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve."

God is interested in our character. He is committed to help us develop His character in us. He is helping us grow toward perfection. It means that sometimes he will have to deny us some things that might hinder that process. We as parents know that we cannot give our children everything they ask for, we would spoil them. God told Jesus Christ NO (Mathew 26:39-42). God told Paul NO (2Corinthians 12:7-9). But these "no" answers were given to achieve a greater good.

Finally, are we as bad as we think? No, according to God's perspective. If we adopt His perspective instead of the one the world offers us we should be deeply grateful for what we have.  "And having food and raiment let us be therewith content." (1Timothy 6:8).  Count your blessings: Life, family, home, health, clothes, friends, brethren (congregation), the Holy Spirit and being part of the body of Christ (the Church) among others. Write up a list of all you have and you will see that it is much more than "food and raiment".

Just thinking out loud...