September 28

Obedience

I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in Me should remain in darkness. — John 12:46 BSB

The light of Christ is always distinct, for it brings the clearest conviction of what is right and reveals the will of God. People everywhere are asking how they may come to know Christ, and the answer is simple: believe that He loves you, that He died on the cross to save you, and that His Spirit is prompting you to follow every perception and desire for a holier life.

How different this teaching is from that of the world! In the world, we are told to know and trust only after thorough investigation. But Christ calls us to obey the first glimmer of light that dawns upon us, promising that in doing so, we will never walk in darkness. Disobedience veils Christ from us, but obedience brings us into His presence. Our judgment becomes just and our vision clear when we deny ourselves and follow whatever is lovely, true, pure, just, and commendable.

Perhaps as you read these words, you are shirking a duty, avoiding a cross, or flinching from an act you know you should do. Though you may not directly connect it with Christ, you know it is His will for you, and you know that it would please Him. It is useless to try to know Him better until you have performed this nearest act of obedience. Just as in the natural world, men do not know what great forces can be harnessed until they obey the laws of nature, so it is in the spiritual realm. As Mary said to the servants at Cana, “Whatever He tells you, do it.” She learned this lesson during those quiet years at Nazareth and passed it on to us all.

“Walk while you have the light,” and you will come to know the Light and become light in the Lord.

Prayer

My son, forsake yourself, and you will find Me. Lord, how often must I surrender myself, and in what ways? Always, in all things, both great and small. Amen.