Obedient

Usually when a topic pops into my head, and I feel like I'm supposed to write about it, I look up some verses for direction and clarification.  I'm going to be honest here, and admit that I don't really want to bring this topic up because God has been speaking to me about this area in my life.  Some of the verses I found sting just a little, but that's one of the ways we can grow, right?  So here we go!

What comes to mind when you hear the word "obedient"?  I think of my toddler, and how I wish she would obey me immediately.  I think of myself, that sometimes God wants me to give up that thing, or go talk to that person, or start this new healthy thing.  I'm not sure what it is about my personality, or spirit, or flesh, but I do know that I do not obey like I should! 

Philippians 2:8
And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by
becoming obedient to death-- even death on a cross!

What?! Oh man!  This one hurts.  We're to imitate Jesus, right?  He trusted His Father to the point of death.  I'm not saying that God asks us to put ourselves to death...although He does, actually, now that I think about it.  We are to put our flesh to death by dying to ourselves daily, taking up our cross, and following Him.

For me right now, that might mean I need to wake up a little earlier for some quiet time with God.  I am a morning person, so I would most likely enjoy it, but currently I have been sleeping in as late as I can.  If you are a night owl, maybe consider doing it at the end of your day instead of scrolling through facebook or watching tv.  I would like to be more disciplined in giving Him some of my time when I'm at my best and can focus on Him.

My flesh also has a love/hate relationship with sweets and baked goods.  Or, as someone has wisely said, I love sweets but they don't love me back.  In general I think sugar is in way too many foods, and we get an unnecessary amount.  My body, in particular, cannot process sugar as easily as other people can because of a hormone imbalance that affects many aspects of my health.  I seriously need to reexamine the place food has in my life, and how I am giving my body the nourishment it needs.

Isaiah 1:19
If you are willing and obedient, you will eat the good things of the land

This verse makes me laugh because I can take it two ways.  I believe it is supposed to be a promise-that God will give us the good things of the land if we are willing and obedient.  That is how I initially read it.  Then I read it again, but this time saw it as a command-you WILL eat the good things.  God wants me to be healthy, energetic and physically available to serve His kingdom.  If I held out a cookie and an apple and asked Him to choose my snack for me, it's pretty easy to imagine what the choice would be.  He wants me to take care of myself and choose the best option.

These two examples of obedience seem simple.  I know they could prove to be challenging but extremely rewarding once I obey and make such discipline a regular aspect of my life.  Are there areas in your life you need to reevaluate?  Where is God calling you to make changes and be obedient to Him?