An act of obedience

Do you remember as a child what happened if you didn’t do what dad or mum told you to do? There were what we call repercussions. Sometimes a smack, or time out corner, where you had time to contemplate what you had done. Though maybe the time was used instead to daydream — that aspect of the punishment was out of the control of the parents.

When we come to know the Lord, we are still disciplined, but disciplined by a loving father who knows exactly how to minister to us in the right place and always at the right time.

Read this verse and meditate on it:

“My son, do not make light of the Lords discipline, and do not lose heart when He rebukes you, because the Lord disciplines the one He loves and he chastens everyone He accepts as His son”

Hebrews 12:5-6

If we want our faith to grow, we must accept His discipline, for they grow together on the same vine to produce the right fruit. The sweet fruit.

And now for a vulnerable moment. I was to receive a key which I had been waiting for. I went to the campus security office only to find that the person I needed to see was not there. After a phone call I was told he was in a meeting and to come back later.

The little voice inside said humph, he should have been there to give it to me. I walked away not acknowledging this grumbling inside. I returned later only to be told that because I was neither staff nor student (only Sandor’s wife) I could no longer be given the key. Then my voice changed, my thoughts surfaced, my wasted time was remembered, and I did not show the countenance of Christ. I walked away silently saying thanks for nothing.

Soon it was time to spend some more time with God. A time I look forward to. No sooner had I begun to pray the Lord said go to that person and ask for forgiveness. And there my friends lies the act of obedience. I made no excuses, I just went straight away. As difficult as it was, I walked into his office. His face was like thunder as he asked me what I wanted. Then I apologised and his countenance changed immediately.

We can be the change, but it starts with our interactions throughout each day, and if necessary, an act of obedience.

For my thoughts are not your thoughts,
neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord.
For as the heavens are higher than the earth,
so are my ways higher than your ways
and my thoughts than your thoughts.

Isaiah 55:8-9

Aloha.