John 14 -- He Said It Multiple Times ....

Anytime something is repeated multiple times in the Bible, we can know it is important.  I found that happening simply within this one chapter:

In v 15:  “If you love Me, you will obey My commands.”

In v 21:  “Those who know My commands and obey them are the ones who love Me.”

In v 23:  “If people love Me, they will obey my teaching.  My Father will love them, and we will come to them and make Our home with them.”

In v 24:  Those who do not love Me do not obey My teachings.”

So where does that put us if there is, say one teaching of Christ that we can’t, won’t or don’t desire to obey?  It seems to mean that we love ourselves and our sin more than we love our Savior, at least on that one thing.

What do we do when we know that is occurring?  I can only come up with ne answer.  We have to deny ourselves in that area, as though we are on a diet.  Yes, I sure want it, but I can’t have it.  One thing we have to really watch out for is not allowing ourselves to feel that we’re being shortchanged, for that will quickly breed resentment.  Instead, we have to handle it much like we would a food allergy – knowing that no matter how badly we want it, it will be very detrimental to us to get it.  And that takes a shift in mindset.  Jesus becomes our Great Physician to our spirit.  He knows what we can’t handle.  And He works to get it through our thick skulls and through our rebellious spirits.

Father, please keep me from ever thinking that I know better than You what’s best for me.  Keep me from selfishly wanting what You know I definitely don’t need.  Instead, point me to Your best for me, and cause me to believe that it is, despite my protests.  For You do know best, Father, and I don’t.

Your Brother In Christ,

Gary Ford