IT'S NOT EASY TO OBEY, BUT IT IS 100% WORTH IT

“Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.”

We read that verse in church the other day and I was reminded of some conversations I’ve had with some friends lately. I wrestled with how often times we give our opinions on how to handle situations based on our values and what we’ve learned; and while that is not necessarily “wrong” since it can be aligned with what we learn from God’s word, it is not “best”. The best would be to have God’s word so very present, our first instinct is to search it for an answer and abide in it. It doesn’t come naturally to me just yet, but I want it to. I want His word to infuse every thought in my mind, every action I take and every word that comes out of my mouth. I’m not aiming for perfection because that’s impossible, but progress for sure and I want to teach my kids that. 

May I say this out loud?

It’s not easy. It’s not easy to obey; to surrender to His will, to trust Him and His plans and to take steps as He ordains them…it is not easy. But it is 100% worth it. He is 100% worth it. Life with Jesus is so much better always.

Today I’m just grateful we serve a God who never gives up on me (or you!). I’m grateful I’m forgiven. I’m grateful He changes my ways. I am grateful I can always trust Him. I’m grateful He is always moving in the unseen. I’m grateful He sustains me. He is so faithful and He is so relentless in His love for me (and you!) that He pursues our hearts; in such a gentle, radical, kind way I’m always in awe. He LOVES us! He truly LOVES us!!! Can you comprehend His love? I can’t. It’s just so so BIG, I can’t! But gosh I am so very grateful for it. God is just so kind.