For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome. For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. 1 John 5:3-4
His commandments are not one more thing that I somehow have to juggle or add to the pot or lug around with me through yet another hurried day. I don’t make a decision, and then think, “Oh yeah, how do I make this God-honoring?” Life is far too complicated for that.
Rather His commandments are a heart set before the day begins. And from that heart flows peace and order, and the disparate segments snap into place or get brushed off the tablecloth into the garbage. It is so much simpler to obey one Master, rather than ripping off chunks of self and tossing the bits and pieces to clamoring conflicting interests to squelch the shouting. Momentarily.
Imagine no conflicting interest.
Once again, Henri Nouwen reminds me that the root of “obedience” is the Latin word audire, which means “to listen,” in contrast to the word “deaf,” or surdus, from where we get the word “absurd.” Mr. O’Reilly’s adage (yes, we taught that word to Wali last night, as we piled onto the couch in front of the now-winter fireplace) KISS*. Every time.
Love the LORD your God with all of your heart and soul and mind. And love your neighbor... ah yes, the new commandment, the bar has been kicked up: not as yourself, but as He has loved you.
For I have overcome the world.
* Keep It Simple, Stupid
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