Why do you obey?

Perhaps one of the most important questions we can ask ourselves is not what to obey but why obey. It uncovers a lot about how we see God and what drives are decision making.

Because it will go well for me/God will bless me

The reality is that this is not always the case. While good things often do come from obeying God, it is not gauranteed. Karma (do good to others, good will come back to you or do bad to others and bad will come back to you) is not a biblical principle. If it was, we’d have no chance for heaven! 

Consider this: obedience was the expectation for God’s children. When we don’t obey, we are falling short. When we do obey, we are actually just doing what we are supposed to do.

Here is a picture to add clarity. Imagine you’re going 30 mph in a 30 mph speed zone. You know exactly where the speed trap is and you cruise past the cop going exactly the speed limit (maybe even a little under!). Then nothing happens; you continue on your way to your destination. You exclaim, “What?! The sign said 30 and I was going 29.5! No pat on the back? No free tabs for a year or something? That’s ridonkulous. That was totally not worth it.” 

To be frustrated for not being rewarded for not doing something you’re not supposed to do in the first place (or to do something you’re supposed to do) is really a silly way of thinking. Yet I would wager most feel this way. For me, it came out during times of trial and disappointment. I thought to myself, “What’s the point of obeying if bad things are going to happen either way?” As Paul says in Philippians, Christ was obedient even to death on a cross! While there are MANY benefits to obeying God, our motive should not be worldly blessings. If we believe God works that way, we find ourselves vastly disappointed in God when our circumstances are troublesome amidst our best efforts. 

Because I will be punished by God otherwise

This is not the case either! God’s grace is sufficient for us; period. He died once and for all for our sins. While there are often natural unpleasant consequences for disobeying God’s commands, He is not a cruel overseer waiting to catch His children in the act. That’s where the example above breaks down. God is not a sheriff with his radar gun out waiting to bust us when we go 50 or 31 in a 30. When we view God like this, we brew over every decision painstakingly, for every misstep will result in a withholding of a blessing or the bringing of a punishment. 

It can also be very disappointing to see the vast corruption in Wall St., where evil men can make billions, while you toil each day just to get by. I’ve asked, “What’s the point of obeying if good things even happen to bad people anyway?” Is God blessing them financially because of their obedience? Is he punishing them some other ways because of their disobedience? The waters here get very murky indeed. 

So…if you obey you don’t necessarily get blessed, and if you disobey, you don’t necessarily get punished…which brings us back to the original question…Why then should I obey?!?!?!

To glorify God

If I could teach our daughter this as soon as possible, our job as parents would be very easy. “Why do I have to do that daddy?” “To glorify God Stella!” “Oh okay!” Unfortunately, it most likely won’t be that easy and it definitely is not for us adults. But in everything we do, that is our end goal; to glorify God. Every time we make a decision to obey God’s word, we are in effect saying that God’s way is the best; we attribute to Him wisdom and glory. When we take on this perspective our walk is once again God centered. With the previous two beliefs, we are the chief operators and God is dependent upon our actions. Here, God is God and we can either join in the joy of participating in His glorification or not.

Punchline: The chief end of obedience, the why, has nothing to do with us. God in His graciousness not only gives us the option but the ability to obey as well-it is our joy to express that freedom. The results and consequences of obedience are secondary. 

The W’s

What’s the point of theology? Why does it matter? Who does it concern? When is it important to start; or to stop? Where will you use it?

For starters, let’s remove baggage attached to the word and start with it afresh. It’s not for the super-spiritual nor is it meant to be locked in the library for a select few daring enough to crack open a book on eschatology. However, it is hard to break that paradigm. For example, check out this opening definition for theology on wikipedia:

Theology is the systematic and rational study of religion and its influences and of the nature of religious truths, or the learned profession acquired by completing specialized training in religious studies, usually at a university or school of divinity or seminary.

I say NO to this!

Theology simply means the study of God. It means getting to know him better. Doesn’t that sound nice? All of a sudden everyone gets to join in on the fun. Yes! The journey of knowing God never ends and the power of knowing God surpasses any worldly gift; truly. Consider these words by Paul in Philippians 3:8:

7But whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. 8What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ 9and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God and is by faith. 10I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, 11and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead.

I guarantee as you did deep into theology (in other words, dig deep in to getting to know Him more) your life will change. I recall one specific day that I became overwhelmed with the many areas of sin in my life. Previously feeling pretty good, the Lord quickly and clearly showed me that day dozens of broken areas I could not correct out of my own sheer will power. That day I discovered the joy of knowing God more. I began to draw nearer to Him and as my knowledge of Jesus-who He is and who I am to him-grew, every area of my life was touched at the same time without me intentionally trying to remember each thing not to do.

Theology is for anyone; for everyone!

Oh Lord, that we would be students of you. Give us the desire to desire you more.

Welcome!

Welcome to Morning Coffee Theology (MCT)! This is a place for me to share my latest thoughts and convictions about theology. Specifically, theology that impacts our daily lives in practical ways. I hope to bring clarity to murky issues; bring dusty issues to life; forgotten issues to the forefront of our minds. I pray you find encouragement in posts to follow and that the Spirit would speak to you through me.