Obedience

Obedience

You know these things—now do them! That is the path of blessing.

John 13:17

We sometimes hear a mom say, “I feel so blessed!” What might have prompted her to feel that way? A clean bill of health from the doctor? The birth of a long-awaited child? These are wonderful blessings. But we must be careful not to limit our perception of blessings only to things we receive. In John 13 Jesus taught his disciples that obedience brings blessing. Specifically, he taught that blessing comes through humble service to others—hearing God’s instructions to serve one another and putting the instructions into action.

Some years ago one of my friends died of cancer, leaving three sons who are friends of my sons. Shortly before she died, I was leaving her house and asked if there was anything more I could do. She said, “Just keep in touch with my boys.” I took her request seriously, and great blessing has been mine. Whether it’s been giving the boys rides, sending cards, praying for them, taking them out for donuts, giving them pizza parties for their birthdays, or giving them gifts, the joy I have received in doing those things is something I will always carry in my heart.

We are blessed (happy, joyful, fulfilled), not because of what we know, but because of what we do with what we know. We will find our greatest joy in obeying Christ by serving others.^a

Father,

Thank you for the blessing that obedience brings to our lives. Our own souls are truly nourished. Amen.