May 27, 2010 9:07 AM
Elisabeth Elliot on obedience
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Author: Elisabeth Elliot
Source: A Lamp For My Feet
Scripture Reference: John 15:14 John 14:21
How to Know God
The order of the Christian's assignment is: hear, do, know. If we hear the commandments and obey them, the Father will make Himself known to us. It is no use trying to know Him without doing what He says. To listen to one word and go out and obey it is better than having the most exalted "religious experience," for it puts us in touch with God Himself--it is a willed response.
"If you really love me you will keep the commandments I have given you." It is perilously easy to imagine that we love God because we like the idea of God, or because we feel drawn to Him. The only valid test of love is obedience. Take one thing commanded and start doing it. Take one thing forbidden and stop doing it. Then we are on the sure road to knowing God. There is no other.
"You are my friends, if you do what I command you" (Jn 15:14 NEB)
As always, I'd like to encourage you to include Elisabeth Elliot in your morning reading; She gives you a lot to think about during the day. Subscribe to her daily devotions here. You can also see a bunch of my favorites here.
Posted in Elisabeth Elliot, Inspiration | Permalink
Comments
I love this one, and have to come to better understand the importance of obedience in the last few years. This is the best part for me: To listen to one word and go out and obey it is better than having the most exalted "religious experience," for it puts us in touch with God Himself--it is a willed response.
Posted by: Crystal | May 27, 2010 4:24 PM
