Obedience – Honouring God
Those who accept my commandments and obey them are the ones who love me. And because they love me, my Father will love them. And I will love them and reveal myself to each of them. John 14:21 (NLT)
Eric Liddell was born in China in 1902 to a Scottish missionary couple and was sent to England to a boarding school to complete his education. At school, he demonstrated a talent for both cricket and rugby, becoming captain of both teams. He also excelled as a sprinter and qualified to compete for Britain in the 100m at the 1924 Olympics in Paris. He was seen as one of the favourites to win the gold medal in that event. When Liddell discovers that the 100m heats would take place on a Sunday, he decides not to compete. He believes that the Sabbath is the Lord’s and should be honoured. It seems like every hope of him gaining any success at the Olympics has been lost. However, much to Liddell’s surprise, a teammate offers to give him his place in the 400m race that would take place the following Thursday. He had not trained for the 400 metres, but decides to do it anyway. Before the race, an American athlete hands Liddell a note with a verse of scripture (1 Samuel 2:30), “He who honours me, I will honour.” Liddell wins the race and the gold medal in a race that he never imagined he would win.
Put God First
Eric Liddell had a deep desire to please God. This desire exceeded his ambition of winning a gold medal. When we have a deep desire to please God, just as Eric Liddell did, everything else becomes secondary. Our lives become centred around putting God first in everything we do. When we put God first, we delight in Him and His Word. Obedience to Him will naturally flow from a heart that is devoted to God. A heart that desires to please Him. A heart that loves Him.
Our love for God should supersede our earthly loves. It should supersede anything that has no eternal value. No kingdom value. When we have this kind of love for Him, we will not be perturbed when He asks us to forfeit earthly things - prestige, worldly opportunities, comfort, riches- for His name's sake. For His glory. For His honour. It will not always be easy to obey God. Even Jesus struggled with this the night before He went to the cross. But Jesus knew the sacrifice He was about to make would bring about redemption for all mankind. It would crush Satan under His feet. It would disarm the spiritual rulers and authorities and bring us victory (Colossians 2:15). Jesus’ obedience honoured the Father. Our obedience will honour our Father, who will in turn honour us.
If a commission by an earthly king is considered an honour, how can a commission by a Heavenly King be considered a sacrifice? David Livingstone
Reflection:
Are there things in your life that may be hindering you from being obedient to God? From honouring Him?
Prayer:
Lord, I want to put You first in my life. I want to delight in You and Your Word. Give me Your courage and grace to do this so that I may please You and honour You with the things I say and do. In Jesus’ name, amen.
