Obedience

 Why is it so difficult for some of us to be obedient? Whether to parents, supervisors, and (maybe especially) God, obeying has always been difficult for me. Do not get me wrong. I think rules and laws are essential; there must be order to live in a free society. Without rules and laws, there is only chaos. I suppose I look for logic and reason behind the rules and laws.

Matthew tells a parable of two sons who had difficulty obeying their father’s will. The father asked the first son to work the vineyard, and the son flat-out said no. So the father went to the second son with the same request, and this son said sure, I’ll go. However, the second son did not go. Perhaps he was caught up in another activity and forgot; maybe he was just trying to appease his father, we are not told. We are not told how long it took for the first son to obey, but he had a change of heart and went to work. Which obeyed the father? The first, of course. (Matt. 21:28-32).

When I became a Christian in February 1986, I lived in the Bush. I had no church, no pastor, and no understanding of obedience to God. For a while, I even thought I had to become Jewish and obey all the Laws of Moses. I was raised in a denomination that baptizes infants. It seemed fitting to me, so I did not think anything more about baptism for years.

We began attending a Baptist church when we moved onto the road system. The pastor asked if I had been baptized. I answered yes, but…He stopped me, saying he did not need the details. A few years later, a second pastor asked the same question with the same result. As I grew in my faith and learned more about God and what the Bible said, I began understanding the difference between my infant baptism and baptism after coming to faith. I know that salvation is in Christ alone, not in Christ and anything else, including baptism.

So what does all of this have to do with anything? I went to school in obedience, knowing a teacher is held to a higher standard (James 3:1). I also know to be obedient, a Christian should be baptized. Why have I put it off? I tell myself it is because I do not want others to think I have been guiding and teaching under false pretenses - that I was not a Christian. I have come to realize that what others think should not sway me from obeying God. I know I have loved, followed, and served Him for over 37 years – more importantly, He has known it. Luke tells us that the angels rejoice over one sinner who repents, not over one who is baptized.

So, I will be baptized sometime in July, fully submerged, symbolizing death, burial, and resurrection and celebrating having become a new creature in Christ Jesus all those years ago. Pray for courage and that I don’t have a panic attack; being fully underwater in a lake, pool, ocean, or baptismal tank is a real fear.

Lord heavenly Father

Thank you for your infinite patience with me

and please forgive my disobedience.

I praise You for Your lovingkindness, Your mercy, and grace.

Always guide my words and actions to bring You

all honor and glory

as I strive to be more obedient.

In Christ alone, and in Jesus’ name, I pray

Amen