Who knows, I may be the only person of the face of the planet that is bothered by the use of the term 'obedience' when used in context of our relationship with God. If you google the term obedience the vast majority of the entries on the first 2 result pages deal with dog obedience training, or the Milgram experiment. So culturally speaking we are already behind the 8 ball when we decide to use this term.
For me this definitely isn't about wanting to do my own thing without having to listen. In fact, my hearts deep desire is to have the heart and mind of Christ. I don't merely want to externally conform to a list of moral requirements or laws, I want an inner reality that produces actions that are in line with Father's own heart. I'm not content with obedience, I want something much deeper. And I think Father is more interested in our heart as well. To me obedience is the language of the lists, laws, and the Pharisee. In an actual relationship with Christ, however, I learn to trust him, and I'm transformed by him as I begin to place my life in his hands. It's only through Love, trust, and relationship with Father, Son, and Spirit that I will be changed on the inside. Conformity and obedience can't transform, so maybe we should leave that term for the dogs.
3 comments:
I wish I could get my dog to do that.
I like the new look. And I think you are right about the word obedience. I think if you ask a hundred folks down at NBBc what is the main thing GOD wants from them, sadly, I think obedience would be at the top of most lists. I think changing that view of what Father wants is the first step towards actually knowing him...along the lines of a addict having to admit he is one before any real change can occur.
Good post.
you stand not alone in not liking the word obedience (at least what it has come to mean in our society)
I'm a little surprised that no one made any comments or drew any parallels about the picture of a dog attempting to clean up his own crap. I guess I'm the only demented one that might find a hidden meaning in that :-)
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