Whoever has my commands and keeps them is the one who loves me. The one who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love them and show myself to them.

John 14:21 NIV

Observing a little boy who just learned to walk proved insightful to me. He loved irregularities in sidewalks or parking lots like manholes and water grates and had to check each one out.

While in a parking lot for an event, he discovered several water grates. One in particular caught his attention most. It had a slight slant so he would head to it, step on it, and immediately fall down. At his loud cries, his parents would pick him up and comfort him. When they put him down, right back to that same grate he would go and fall right back down.

Sin can be like that. It might look interesting. It may have a temporary satisfaction, but it also has negative consequences every time.

So why in the world would I repeat the same sin over and over? Because of God’s Word, the Bible, I know how God feels about disobedience to him.

John 14:21 states that we obey him because we love him. That verse begs me to ask myself the question do I love really him enough to get rid of the habitual sin in my life? Can I give up something which disguises itself as pleasure because I love God?

If I do not want to hurt God by my disobedience, the comforting thing is I do not have to do it in my own strength. When I go to him for guidance; he gives it.

When sin does get in the way of my relationship with God, he will convict me of my disobedience. If I confess it to him, thankfully he forgives me and restores the sweetness of our relationship.

God, we do love you enough to obey you. we know you are willing to help us in this endeavor because of your love for us.

Susan Partida