Don't Tell Me What To Do

And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. As it is written: He has scattered abroad his gifts to the poor; his righteousness endures forever. Now He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God. 2 Cor 9:8-11

Do you hate being told what to do? I do. One day I was at a four way stop with another car that arrived to my left slightly before me. The driver of this car waved me threw even though he had the right of way. I call this driving maneuver “the wave threw." The wave threw irritates me to no end, I feel bossed around and controlled.

Sometimes I can feel this way about a sermon or a Bible talk. It can leave me feeling guilty and rebellious. Even though there are so many promises of abundant harvest to those who live righteously these promises do little to motivate me.

As we dive into the subject of righteousness, the last thing I want to do is give you a so called spiritual wave threw like, “Do right and an abundant harvest is coming your way.” Amazingly, and even in the face of my strong rebellious streak, my obedience to the Lord’s commands is ever increasing. My righteousness is growing and I am enjoying its fruit in my life. 2 Cor 9:8-11, Heb 12:11, James 3:18, Gal 6:9-10

So how did all this happen given my strong desire not to be told what to do?

It all started about 16 years ago. I began intensely studying the Bible through Bible studies at my church. The combination of great teaching, studying the Bible and being around people who loved the Lord has a dramatic effect on me.

In short I came to know the Lord in a much deeper way. This is a spiritual truth that you can depend on: to know the Lord, is to love Him, to love the Lord is to obey him, and obedience is the seed from which you will reap a harvest of righteousness.

If you are struggling with obedience, instead of white knuckling it and trying to do right, change your focus! Focus everything on knowing the Lord Jesus Christ. Pray, study the Bible, listen to sound Bible teaching, go to church and hang out with people who love the Lord and see if you don’t,

find yourself reaping a great harvest of righteousness.

More in this category: « What is the Gift of Giving? Harvest Series Coming This Fall »