GIF Purposeful Obedience

“As obedient children, do not be conformed to the former lusts which were yours in your ignorance, but like the Holy One who called you, be holy yourselves also in all your behavior.”
(1 Peter 1:14-15)

Purposeful Obedience
by Larry Burkett

Sometimes it can be difficult to do the things we want to do. When we became Christians, God began to change us from the inside, as the Holy Spirit began moving in us, creating new hearts with new desires.

As a new Christian, I surprised myself with the longing to be obedient to God in ways I’d never considered before. These longings changed the way I thought, and those new thoughts began to change the way I lived.

Often, though, I found myself, like Paul, doing the things I didn’t want to do and not doing the things I did want to do. My behavior frustrated and disappointed me, and I think many people are feeling the same frustration.

One area is in stewardship. The Holy Spirit has placed a longing in our hearts to become good managers of what God has given us. We truly want to control our spending, give more to help others, get out of debt, and bring a balance into our financial lives. However, we find that the path to stewardship is difficult, and it’s easy to stumble.

I’ve learned that it’s okay to stumble, because when we are aware of our shortcomings and turn to Him, He can work more powerfully through us. Being obedient means being willing to do what God’s Word says – regardless.

Are there ways you have failed to be obedient to God that you want to confess? Pray about it now.

Daily Scripture Reading: 

Nehemiah 1-5