Why?
Posted by Colston | | Posted On Friday, October 17, 2008
The question I want to pose is this; Why do we do what we do?
I know this may seem to have many answers but does it?
The book of 1 John has really challenged me to think about my motivations especially after reading chapter 4 and studying it.
Do we obey out of fear? I believe we do in some instances. We obey the speed limit or traffic signs because we dont want a ticket and we dont want to get into a wreck.
Do we ever obey out of manipulation? I believe we do in some instances. I obeyed my parents in high school, why? To build trust. Why did I need there trust? To get what I wanted. I knew that if I was a good boy and did my homework and did some things around the house that I could stay out as late as I wanted. I knew that I could do whatever I wanted because my parents trusted me.
Now What does God desire more obedience or love?
I have come to the conclusion that God desires us to love him and love people more than he does obedience. If we love Him then obedience follows. If we love people then we dont have a problem with rules and regulations.
If my logic is flawed please let me know. I would love to hear your thoughts on this subject. I have many other thoughts along the same topic that I might post later I just want to see what yall think.
I know this may seem to have many answers but does it?
The book of 1 John has really challenged me to think about my motivations especially after reading chapter 4 and studying it.
Do we obey out of fear? I believe we do in some instances. We obey the speed limit or traffic signs because we dont want a ticket and we dont want to get into a wreck.
Do we ever obey out of manipulation? I believe we do in some instances. I obeyed my parents in high school, why? To build trust. Why did I need there trust? To get what I wanted. I knew that if I was a good boy and did my homework and did some things around the house that I could stay out as late as I wanted. I knew that I could do whatever I wanted because my parents trusted me.
Now What does God desire more obedience or love?
I have come to the conclusion that God desires us to love him and love people more than he does obedience. If we love Him then obedience follows. If we love people then we dont have a problem with rules and regulations.
If my logic is flawed please let me know. I would love to hear your thoughts on this subject. I have many other thoughts along the same topic that I might post later I just want to see what yall think.
I follow you. If you love someone, you wont have a problem pleasing them. Wife, parents, friends, GOD. I will say though that it is better to obey our of fear than to disobey. I think love is most important (I Cor 13) but it is repeated a few times in the Bible that we need to have a healthy fear of God. Well, I keep losing my train of thought, so I don't want to say something silly, so, goodnight.