Obedience with a Heartbeat
Ease on up to this ol’ front porch, friend, and find yourself a seat that has held more memories than a quilt stitched together by three generations of determined grandmas. Your visit is a real blessin’ today. Now, come on over here for a minute. I was standin out by the garden this mornin’ watchin’ a determined lil’ ol’ chipmunk tryin’ to drag a big ol’ tomato plum twice its size across the yard, and it struck me that love can feel a whole lot like that. We try to haul around some big ol’ spiritual words, but the Lord is lookin’ for something far simpler and far deeper. In John 14:21 and 23-24, we read that Jesus said, “The one that loves Him is the one that keeps His commandments, and that the Father will love that person, and that He and the Father will make their home with that person.” That ain’t no kind of poetic fluff. That’s the heartbeat of real love.
Love is not just a warm feelin’ or a pretty confession. Love is an action. It’s faith with its big boots on. Jesus makes it real plain. If we love Him, we obey Him. If we don’t obey Him, then, we don’t love Him. It’s plum simple enough to make even an ol’ barn owl git to blinkin’ more than twice. And Psalm 119:60 adds a fresh layer of truth by tellin us, “I will hasten and not delay to obey Your commands.” Real love don’t git to draggin’ its feet. It moves right on toward God with eagerness.
David sho’-nuff’ understood this. His love for God wasn’t measured by how loud he sang but by how quickly he obeyed. When he messed up, he didn’t hide behind excuses like a nervous ol’ raccoon pretendin’ it wan’t the one that went and tipped over the trash can. He ran right straight to God with honesty and repentance.
And Jesus promises that when love shows up in obedience, He’ll manifest Himself to us. He’ll make His home with us. That there means God is drawn to hearts that respond to Him with trust and readiness.
Friend, a life of disobedience ain’t just a mistake. It’s a real message. It plum tells God we don’t love Him. But a life of obedience tells Him we’re available, willing, and ready for His presence. Love ain’t complicated. It’s simply obedience wrapped in trust.
Father, thank You for lovin’ us first and for teachin’ us how to love You back. Help us obey quickly, trust deeply, and walk closely with You. Let Your Word shape our choices and Your presence fill our hearts. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Well, there you have it, friend. Don’t you ever be lettin’ confusion convince you that lovin’ God is some mysterious lil’ ol’ puzzle. He’s not askin’ you to climb a high mountain or wrestle a bear. He’s askin’ you to obey Him with a willin’ heart. What feels real small today may become tomorrow’s doorway into deeper fellowship. Just as a sunrise surprises even the sleepiest lil’ ol’ deer standin’ out in the meadow, God will reveal Himself again when obedience opens the way. And long after all them woodland critters git quieted down and the night settles real soft across the barnyard, His love will still be workin’ in you, steady and strong, makin’ your heart a sweet place He delights to call home.
With joy,
Gwen
