Obedience

As I was sorting through a box of paper in preparation for repacking it properly for our move, I came across a paper we used to have hanging in our kitchen at the last house for our children, but I hadn't found again since living here. I want to share what's on this paper for two reasons: 1) In case it goes missing again before we get to our new home, and 2) because, darn it, it stinks to be convicted alone! LOL

CHECKLIST FOR EVALUATING 

THE QUALITY OF YOUR OBEDIENCE 

Obedience + Delay = Disobedience

___ Do I have to be reminded several times before I do a job?

___ Do I say "I will" then take my time before I finally get around to doing it?

___ Do I answer, "I will, but not right now" or "Later"?

___ Do I fail to meet deadlines?

Obedience + Murmuring/Complaining = Disobedience

___ Do I do what I am told, but pout as I do it?

___ Do I complain about the things expected of me?

___ Do I make sure others feel sorry for me as I do the work I've been asked or instructed to do?

Obedience + My Methods = Disobedience

___ Do I do what I am told, but not in the way I am told?

___ If i cannot do the job my own way, do I leave it undone or do it halfheartedly?

___ Am I sneaky about the shortcuts I take because my parents would not approve of them?
___ Do I insist that my parents explain why they want something done in the manner they've specified before I will complete he task?

Obedience + The Desire To Have People Praise Me = Disobedience___ Do I do the things my parents have asked of me just so people will praise me?

___ If no one praises me for what I've done, do I stop doing it or do it halfheartedly?

Obedience + Letter of the Law - Spirit of the Law = Disobedience

___ Do I obey my parents, yet continually look for how close I can come to disobedience without actually being accused of it?
___ Do I tell only a portion of the story so the complete situation is not fully understood by my parents?

"LISTEN to your father's instruction & do not forsake your mother's teaching." (Proverbs 1:8)

 

"Children, OBEY your parents in the Lord, for this is right." (Ephesians 6:1)

 

"For even a child is KNOWN by his actions, whether his conduct be pure & right." (Proverbs 20:11)

 

"But GOD BE THANKED that... YOU OBEYED FROM THE HEART." (Romans 6:17)

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OUCH!!! This is not just applicable to young children under a parent's authority. This applies to us big children under our Heavenly Father's authority.

Reading through this paper when I found it yesterday really convicted me of my "obedience + murmuring/complaining" in moving to the land of tumbleweeds and Texas stars. As obedient as I thought I was, it was still DISOBEDIENCE in God's eyes. 

 

I think I need to hang this paper up in the new home, not just on the fridge for the sake of the children, but somewhere where I will see it frequently too.

It's all too easy to fall into disobedience when the action and the attitude are not united. I don't want to be found "obeying on the outside, but disobeying on the inside". I want to be in complete obedience.

After that good swift swat on the rear yesterday (and a full night of sleep after too many brief winks), I'm finding myself today beginning to look forward to our new life in Texas.

~ Michelle