I have always liked the story of the bad attitude son who showed up to work in his father’s vineyard and it was counted as doing the will of his father. We all fight against resistance, which is the devil suggesting that if we do what God tells us to do, then we will lose our identity and freedom/ or it is too hard right now, maybe later/ or we should resist and go dragging our feet , moaning and complaining etc. “Sure, God only wants the best for us, but it sure is hard.”
I can relate to that attitude and am glad that hesitant obedience is still obedience or I would not get much credit.
Still, joyous obedience makes a lot more sense and sure makes the work go smoother. It brings God more glory, as people watch how we work with joy, peace, and resting, even in the midst of doing. (Not just the fact that we do the right but that we do it with peace and joy). The Bible says:
I want to love my Lord with all my heart, and with all my soul, and with all my might. Deuteronomy 5:29/10:12/11:13/13:3/26:10/30:2,6,10/ Joshua 22:5/Luke 10:27/Mark 12:33/Matthew 22:37
God loves a cheerful giver. Giving without grudging or because we feel pressured. 2 Corinthians 9:7
Bring God an offering willingly with your heart Exodus 25:2
God looks on the heart, the upright offer willingly I Chronicles 29:17
It is more blessed to give than to receive. Acts 20:35
Show mercy with cheerfulness Romans 12:8
Our rejoicing in Jesus Christ should be abundant when we fellowship with his people. Philippians 1:26
We bring God glory by our overflowing distribution to the needs of the saints. 2 Corinthians 9:13
All the women whose heart stirred them up in wisdom spun goats’ hair.Exodus 35:26
Who’s heart made them willing to bring all manner of work. Exodus 35:29
Give to the needy and don’t let my heart grieve the giving because all that I have was given to me. Deuteronomy 15:10
I need to purpose in my heart to cleave to my Lord Acts 11:23
I need to sing, be glad and rejoice with all my heart. Zephaniah 3:14
I need to search for him with all my heart. Jeremiah 20:13
Giving thanks always FOR all things unto god and the Father in the name of our Lord. Ephesians 5:20
If I am offered upon the sacrifice and service of building others faith, I will joy and rejoice. Philippians 2: 17
Jesus is my example: who for the joy that was set before him went triumphantly through the cross and shamming keeping his eye fixed on the prize. Hebrews 12:2
When I am hated for Jesus’ sake I need to rejoice and leap for joy because of my great reward waiting in heaven and the “cool” group I get to join, the prophets. Luke 6:23
Whatever I find to do I need to do with all my might and live joyfully in all my labour. Ecclesiastes 9:9,10
HOW?: It helps to see everything as coming from God’s hands, to remember that he means it for good, to call things opportunities, adventures and challenges. They are situations for him to seize through me. It helps to remember that nothing lasts forever except his love and presence, that only his opinion counts, that he is not looking for perfection just effort, that even a cup of water given in his name counts.
It helps to have a picture of a baby lamb “leaping for joy” or children responding to an invitation to play or go on an adventure.
It helps to carry a picture of my hope, which is built on nothing less than Jesus’ blood and righteousness, eternity in heaven with Jesus.
Dear Lord help me to obey but to see the privilege and delight of being a fellow servant soldier and laborer.
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