Disobeying God

Therefore, to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin. James 4:17 (NKJV)

The cookie jar always comes to mind when I read this verse. How many of us as kids were told by mom not to take a cookie out of the cookie jar before supper, but chose to sneak one out anyhow; in spite of knowing there were consequences when we got caught? Raise your hand if you were as guilty as I was!

James nails it right down in this little book. He gets right to the point of many sin issues we may find ourselves in. Pride causes disobedience. We know what is right but we prefer not to do it. That is like telling God we know more than He does. When we accomplish personal success, invincibility and self-dependence surface and we begin to feel like we don't need anyone's help or support; not even God's. At times we face difficulties and try to escape, leaving us with lessons unlearned. Feelings of loneliness and desperation emerge. Misery settles in and we find ourselves chastened by our loving Father; evidence of His ownership and love for us.

The spiritual downward spiral reaches into every area of our life and confusion and dissatisfaction appear. Is it God's will that we are miserable? What about heavenly reward and earthly reputation? Do we ever ask what we stand to lose when we choose to disobey? Sin has its consequences. Disobeying God today may not seem too serious, but it will appear serious when the Lord returns and examines our work. The negative phases of sin and the unsettled feelings should be red flags in our daily life. When you find yourself in this state, do you run to God?

Colossians 3:22-24 offers sound advice and a great example of a good work ethic. Slaves, obey your masters in all things. Do not obey just when they are watching you, to gain their favor, but serve them honestly, because you respect the Lord. In all the work you are doing, work the best you can. Work as if you were doing it for the Lord, not for people. Remember that you will receive your reward from the Lord, which he promised to his people. You are serving the Lord Christ. But remember that anyone who does wrong will be punished for that wrong, and the Lord treats everyone the same. Our decisions in life can reflect this same attitude!

Let's regard obedience and the decisions we make as an act of worship or service to God. Remove pride and self-dependence, and replace it with a willingness to give our obedience as a sacrifice for the wonderful work Jesus did for us. We have God's Word as our pattern for life and instruction for living. We do not have to choose disobedience!

Lord, help us to run to you when we find ourselves falling into sin and keep us on the path of obedience.

Janet Stutzman