Simply Obey

God has always had one simple message to those who profess to love Him and call themselves His followers, "If you love Me, you will keep My commandments...He who has my commandments and keeps them is the one who loves Me; and he who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will disclose Myself to Him,"  (John 14:15,21).  Simply stated, loving and believing in God is expressed by obeying His commandments.

In the Old Testament God told Jeremiah to remind Israel that He did not command religious duty or observance in place of obedience.  God had one simple command,  "But this is what I command them, saying, 'Obey My voice and I will be your God, and you will be My people; and you will walk in all the way in which I command you, that it may be well with you.' " (Jer 7:23)

Our love for God, if not accompanied by simple obedience to Him, is not expressed by how often we read our bible, how loud we worship, or that we attend every bible study.  We would do well to remember God's stern rebuke to those in Israel who were guilty of this type of religion.  Through the prophet Amos he declares, "I hate, I reject your festivals,  nor do I delight in your solemn assemblies. Even though you offer up to Me burnt offerings and your grain offerings, I will not accept them; and I will not even look at the peace offerings of your fatlings.  Take away from Me the noise of your songs; I will not listen to the sound of your harps."  (Amos 5:21-23)

On the other hand, don't think these are not part of obedience to God.  In fact, our love for God will manifest itself in a growing desire to spend time with Him, which consist of bible reading, worship, and church attendance.  In addition, our love for God will also result in our loving His commandments.  I'm reminded of the psalmist declaration, "O how I love Your law!  It is my meditation all the day.  Your commandments make me wiser than my enemies, for they are ever mine." (Ps 119:97-98)

Therefore let us not complicate our faith, instead let us express our faith by loving God and loving His commandments!  Remember God's message has never changed; His message has consistently been - Simply obey.

Soli Deo Gloria!