financial freedom

Attractive Obedience

by | Dec 12, 2016 | Maximum Generosity

What comes to mind when you hear the term “attractive obedience?” Perhaps the first images we see are those times when our children willingly act in accord with the direction we give them in life. It might be something as simple as our puppy friends. They become part of our family but have to be taught obedience in the form of not chewing up furniture or the kid’s toys. It pleases our heart when we experience this quality of obedience.

Sometimes when I look into the nighttime sky my mind wonders how I might bring a smile to the face of a loving God. Despite all that we might do, say or think, he still loves us. Yet I must think that nothing must bring Him more pleasure than when he sees in us an obedient heart that follows his Word. It is an awesome thought that I am capable of living in a way that the Lord finds to be attractive obedience. Perhaps it is this attractive obedience that brings joy to the heart of God and that smile to His face.

One of the most tangible ways we exhibit our heart of obedience is in the area of giving. It is impossible to be an obedient Christ-follower without fully engaging in this area of our daily walk with Him. Jesus certainly gave his all on the Cross on our behalf. How could we possibly be satisfied “tipping” Him with that which He allows us to steward?

Through the prophet Jeremiah, God communicated in Jeremiah 7:23, “Obey me, and I will be your God and you will be my people. Walk in all the ways I command you, that it may go well with you.” There is never a time in the ebb and flow of the occasional obedience and the frequent disobedience of biblical times that God did not desire to see the people live according to his directives. It was a joyous time for both the people and Jehovah God when they chose the path of obedience. I would propose that it was attractive obedience to the heart of the Creator as He experienced his mankind creation submitting to the best that He desired for them.

The Lord wants us to seek first his kingdom and his righteousness. All the other essentials of life He will provide when we do this. Fully becoming a recipient of his best for our lives requires that we first choose to be obedient in properly depositing our earthly riches in ways that multiply His Kingdom.

  1. How do you feel you measure up on the attractive obedience scale in God’s eyes?
  2. What changes do you need to make to experience God’s best for your life?
  3. What impact has faithful giving to God’s Kingdom had on your Christian walk?

Gary L. Crowell, CPA, CCA, ACC
Chief Financial Officer
Tarrant Baptist Association

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