Can obedience be imperfect? Week 9, 2016

What are we saying? You will quickly remember the contention between Saul and Samuel. Saul said to him, "Blessed be you to the LORD. I have performed the commandment of the LORD." And Samuel said, "What then is this bleating of the sheep in my ears and the lowing of the oxen that I hear?" 1Sam 15:13-14(ESV).  As far as God was concerned, Saul was yet to obey His commands despite his confident claim before Samuel. "I regret that I have made Saul king, for he has not performed my commandments." 1Sam 15:11(ESV).  There is a need for us to obey completely, not in part; a need to follow through the spirit of God’s word to the full extent of His intention: being ready to punish every disobedience, when your obedience is complete. 2Cor 10:6(ESV). Ask now for a lifestyle of complete obedience.

I believe a number of people suffer from the effects of incomplete obedience. When was the water at the marriage of cana turned into wine? After complete obedience. Jesus told the servants, "Fill the jars with water." So they filled them up to the brim Jn 2:7(ISV). To the brim, not partway, to the brim. They then stood by waiting for His next instruction and lo! The water turned into wine which was carried to the governor of the feast.

A man ran up to Jesus demanding to know what good thing he would do to gain eternal life. Among other commands Jesus reminded him was: honor your father and mother,' and 'you must love your neighbor as yourself.' Mat 19:19(ISV). Listen to his reply; it says to me there was a niggling un fulfillment in him. The young man told him, "I have kept all of these. What do I still lack?" Mat 19:20(ISV). I do not doubt this man’s sincerity. This was his perception of his service to God from boyhood. Jesus told him"If you want to be perfect, go and sell all you have and give the money to the poor, and you will have riches in heaven; then come and follow me." Mat 19:21(GNB). It becomes clear loving your neighbor as yourself had a deeper meaning than he was willing to practice. When the young man heard this, he went away sad Mat 19:22(GNB).  He had been obeying, albeit imperfectly. Is my obedience like that? Imperfect? I fear so. In so many ways and things claiming before men and sometimes before Him regular unbroken obedience when o, at best I am imperfect! Have considered Amaziah? 2Chron 25:2(ISV)  He practiced what the LORD considered to be right, but not with a perfect heart. See how Good News Bible puts it: He did what was pleasing to the LORD, but did it reluctantly. Ask God for a willing enthusiastic spirit.

But who is perfect? None. Yet we may serve Him with a perfect heart: I beseech thee, O LORD, remember now how I have walked before thee in truth and with a perfect heart, and have done that which is good in thy sight 2Kg 20:3(KJV).