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November 21, 2007

Partial Obedience and Peace

by Shana Schutte

I can usually tell when something in my life has shifted from being a good desire to a detriment--meaning it's moved from being a good gift to an idol. One consistent sign is panic.

I often feel an uneasiness in my spirit like the rippling on top of a lake that was once serene. Left unchecked, these ripples can turn into a raging storm that threatens the peace in my spirit and soul.

Early this year, I felt the Holy Spirit nudge me to let go of some potential opportunities, because I was giving them too much importance; and they were edging in on the place reserved for Him on the throne in my heart.

These opportunites were like a box full of chocolates. To my chagrin, it was as if God said, "Wait! Don't eat those. I've got something better." But because I didn't completely listen, I gave in to temptation, and "stuck my fingers in all my chocolates of opportunity," by still checking out what could still be if God didn't show up. I hedged the line without blatantly disobeying.

And because I hadn't completely submitted myself to His authority, panic ruled.

Sometimes we can commit the sin of partial obedience. Sure, we haven't completely "eaten the chocolates" that God told us to give up, but we're still holding them in our hand; because we want a back up just in case He doesn't come through. Whether we are only sinning partially or all the way, we won't experience the peace that is ours in Christ unless we fully obey.

It can be in small or great matters, in the purchasing of a dress, marriage to a mate, or attending a party. If God says to wait or choose something else, it might not seem like a big deal if we change things just a little, right? We can justify or make excuses for our sin and the next thing you know, we're stuck going down a peacelss path we had no intention of walking on.

Whenever I visit my friend and her husband in Texas, I am amazed by their well-behaved children. Rarely do I hear my girlfriend ask her kids to do something more than once, because they've been taught that quick and full obedience keeps them safe from consequence.

That is how I want to be--quick to obey without questioning, just because my Father said so. I want to experience His full blessings of peace that come from full obedience. How about you? Will you go with me on a journey of giving God top priority?

"Oh! That you had heeded My commandments! Then your peace would have been like a river, and your righteousness like the waves of the sea" (Isaiah 48:18)."

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