I have been doing a lot of thinking lately on the difference between legalism and obedience, especially since there has been much to say about Christian movements that push outward conformity over the change Jesus brings to the heart.
Jesus told the woman at the well that God is a Spirit, and they that worship Him must worship Him in Spirit and in Truth. (John 4:23-24)
He spoke often of the heart to His disciples.
Luke 6:45-46
A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh.
And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?
He made obedience the key to relationship with Him.
John 15:10-11
If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father’s commandments, and abide in his love. These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.
Is it wrong to obey Jesus to the point that you become faithful to church, to service, to giving, to modest dress, to the consistent training of your children, to daily Bible reading and prayer, then?
Absolutely not. In fact, He calls us to obedience in all of these areas.
But it is so much easier to do these things for the approval of man, to try to gain God’s approval, or to fit in with the people around us.
To obey Jesus for any other reason than out of love and devotion to Him is to serve our own flesh, and it will lead to fruitlessness and emptiness.
Romans 8:8
So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.
If you are feeling burnout in your devotion to the Lord, it is a warning light on your “dashboard” so to speak.
It is a call back to abiding.
John 15:5
I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.
Without an inward heart change, outward change is unsustainable and useless. It will not last. Inward change can only come from spending time with Jesus in His Word and then yielding to His instruction. He is the only way to a fruitful life.
What will I do with Jesus?
Do I only seek my gain?
Do I look for ways to praise,
And times to bless His name?
Is my life for me alone,
To gather goods like grain?
When things do not go my way,
Do I place on Him, the blame?
What will I do with Jesus?
If my life is truly changed,
His fire He lit inside my heart,
Must set this world ablaze.
—Erica Bolticoff
I would love to hear any thoughts, verses, or testimonies that might continue the discussion! Feel free to comment below, and let me know your thoughts!
Have a blessed day!
His Song in the Night 
Obedience is more important than sacrifice we are told in His Word. I think we often like to pick and choose the areas we will obey which usually means the areas that are “easy” for the life we want to live. I agree that if we are truly devoted to Him then we will find our lives so very different from the world not just in our outward appearance and actions but in our heart attitude. I wish we lived closer so we could ponder these thoughts together. I enjoy talking theology with friends.
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Maybe someday. I think we may be moving closer your direction!
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