OBEDIENCE PRODUCES LIFE
But… They refused to keep my decrees and follow my regulations, even though obedience would have given them life. And they also violated my Sabbath days. (Ezekiel 20:21 NLT)
Obedience is for own good.
God isn’t interested in bothering and making life difficult for us. He is interested in our well-being and when He gives us commandments, it’s not because He wants to manipulate or annoy is, rather He knows that obedience to His direction will take us to success in life.
For example, if you tell your child not to put his or her hand in the fire, you don’t do it because of overprotection. You do it so they can avoid pain and also teach them how to correctly use fire.
When God tells us that we shouldn’t commit adultery or lie, it’s also because He wants us to avoid unnecessary suffering in marriage. He desires our well-being.
He wants us to have life. He desires for us to sleep in peace at night and not unnecessarily worry about things that can cause insomnia, steals the peace in our marriage, etc. He wants us to have spiritual, physical, financial, relational, and emotional health.
For example, when God tells us to keep the Sabbath, it’s so that we remain connected with Him, and also for us to rest and not get sick.
Obedience produces life.
But… They refused to keep my decrees and follow my regulations, even though obedience would have given them life. And they also violated my Sabbath days. (Ezekiel 20:21 NLT)
Think about it:
What consequences have you had because you disobeyed God?
What benefits have you had because you obeyed God?
Do you know what God’s commandments are?