Daily Power #79

If anyone obeys his word, love for God is truly made complete in them. (1 John 2:5)

When I had just gotten my driver’s license, I once sat at a stoplight at 2:00 a.m. waiting for it to change. There was no traffic at that time, and I didn’t see any other cars. Still, I didn’t want to risk a ticket from some officer hidden in a patrol car nearby. So I sat there. One minute, two, three—finally, after five minutes, I ran the red light and held my breath to see if a dozen cops were about to descend upon me for the violation. But none did.

What would you have done? And how much would your choice be influenced if you knew you wouldn’t be caught? In day-to-day life, we often obey rules and regulations based on our ability or willingness to understand their purpose. When we understand the reason for a rule—such as the obvious necessity for a stoplight to regulate a busy traffic intersection—it’s easy to comply. But if no one else is around, why stop?

Because it’s the law. Because God doesn’t give us options to consider but gives commands to obey. If we cut corners in one area, it’s that much easier to cut corners somewhere else. We don’t just obey God because we fear him; we obey him because we love him.

Power Lift

Thank you, Lord, that I can trust you with every area of my life. Give me the strength to obey you in all I do today.