Today's topic is about "OBEDIENCE TRAINING" and how that applies not only to dogs but also to people. Read below to find out how we are to learn to be obedient and why it is important.
Blessings,
Jan
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Today's Devotional:
"OBEDIENCE TRAINING"
by
Jan Andersen
Some people who get a new dog take it to obedience classes. It is a way to help teach the dog how to behave at home and out in the community. Often times it is the human owner who is being trained the most! But the classes offer their new dog a chance to be among other dogs and learn what is appropriate and what is not. Special breed-specific training is even available, so that the training matches the energy level and learning style of a typical dog of that breed. There are also different classes for puppies versus older dogs, and special training for service dogs. But when it comes right down to it, once they take the dog home the people have to follow through on what they have learned in those classes to make sure the dog behaves correctly. It can be easy to give in and spoil pets. So who really needs obedience training?
As Christians we need “obedience training” as well. Our training comes by following the example of leaders of the faith in the Bible and in our lives who follow God’s teachings and commandments. We often focus on grace and forgiveness, but it is important also to remember that obedience is desired by God. Yes, we are not perfect, and God forgives us when we are disobedient and repent. We should be so joyfully grateful for his mercy that we willingly submit to his will and worship him in obedience. It is our way of saying thank you to Him for his free gift of forgiveness for all our shortcomings and salvation bought by Jesus on the cross.
Jesus gave us the perfect picture of obedience to follow. Even though He was facing death to pay for something He never even did, namely sin, he obeyed the Father’s will all the way to the cross. Even though the people insisted He be the one killed and didn’t understand his sacrifice was for them, He still went willingly. Even though we continue to reject Him every day when we sin in the tiniest or biggest ways, He still is not sorry he died for us! Even as we imperfectly attempt to obey his teachings and reflect his love in faithfulness, He has promised to bless us. We try to be Christ-like in our actions, following his example as our best “obedience training.”
Philippians 2:8 ESV And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.
Dear Jesus, help us always to remember your willingness to be obedient unto death on the cross, which bought us our salvation. May we follow your example of selfless sacrifice for the sake of others, knowing that you will forgive us when we fall short. We offer you our obedience out of gratitude for your mercy. Thank you for walking with us every step of the way on our journey on this earth until we join you in heaven. In your name we pray, Amen.
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Song:
"OBEDIENCE"
Lindy Conent
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Prayers are lifted up daily for you by the Devotional Writers and the Monthly Writing Staff of Women's Focus Ministries
Blog writers:
Sandy Billingham, Karen Bennett,
Brother Thomas Ukwute, Jody Ward,
Bre Miller, Lynda Kinnard, Amie Spruiell,
Debbie Rodriguez, Carol Steficek,
Jan Andersen and Corinne Mustafa
Good afternoon, Jan.
ReplyDeleteThank you once again for your insights on your chosen topic every week and this Sunday. I always feel uplifted and wiser when I have read a devotional that you have written.
Thank you and God bless...
Corinne