Not a lot of joy in this child's life! Is this a picture of you? Probably not, because kids this age are not reading Daily Devos! But then again, could this be a picture of most of us on the inside? Let's be honest. We all have moments of childish self-centeredness don't we?
When we don't get our way, is there a tantrum going on inside of us?
Have you ever complained when your parents asked you to do something you didn't feel like doing? Lost count huh? Did you mutter a four-letter word under your breath? Probably not a good one, right?
All of us struggle at times with obeying authority in our lives. Whether it's being told to do yard work, homework, or what the boss wants at work, our natural desire is to do what we want. We prefer to go our own way and do our own thing. Why?
Just watch some little kids. Their favorite word has four letters: M-I-N-E. Jesus wants us to live out another four-letter word: O-B-E-Y. The result is very interesting.
picture courtesy images.google.com
9"I have loved you even as the Father has loved me. Remain in my love. 10When you obey me, you remain in my love, just as I obey my Father and remain in his love. 11I have told you this so that you will be filled with my joy. Yes, your joy will overflow!
WHAT DID JESUS TEACH ABOUT THE CONNECTION BETWEEN OBEDIENCE AND JOY?
When we obey Jesus, we will stay connected to His love and experience His joy. Whenever we disconnect from Jesus, we are fruitless and joyless. Just like a branch cut off from an apple tree can't contribute to a pie, if we're cut off from Jesus, we're useless to His Kingdom.
Remember that happiness depends on what's happening around us, but joy comes through obeying Christ regardless of circumstances. Right now, in what area of your life is it really hard for you to O-B-E-Y Jesus? Talk to Him about it. He understands. He'll help.
Thank God for His unconditional L-O-V-E. Confess your S-I-N-S to Him. Ask His Spirit to help you O-B-E-Y Christ, because you want to show Him your L-O-V-E. Thank Jesus for the J-O-Y you will experience in Him.
- The next time you see a little kid throwing a fit, let it remind you to let Jesus help you mature in your obedience to Him. Then enjoy the J-O-Y.
- Use a study Bible to look up 10 different passages using the word O-B-E-Y. Write down one lesson to remember.
- Ask an older Christian what they've learned about the connection between obedience and joy.
Daily Devos is published Monday through Friday. Archives can be found at YFC.ORG. Its purpose is to help you apply truths from God's Word every day.
Our writer, Byron Emmert, has been involved with Youth For Christ for 30 years. He's served as Campus Life Staff, as a writer, and in leadership for the DCLA Conferences. Byron is married to Linda and their family includes two married sons and daughters-in-law, and a daughter in college. He loves sports, deep dish pizza, and spending time with his family.