Читать книгу There is More: When the World Says You Can’t, God Says You Can - Brian Houston, Brian Houston - Страница 24

Obedience is not the most popular word these days. There are some who are telling everyone, “Be an individual—submit to no one!” Entire movements have been founded on the principles of disobedience, bucking the system, steering away from the norm. Yet John 14:15 spells it out clearly when God says, “If you love Me, you will keep My commands” (HCSB).

Notice it doesn’t say, “If you love Me, you will read your Bible for one hour every day, pray without ceasing, be nice to everyone, give a 10 percent tithe and 5 percent to missions, and volunteer in church.” So many people allow religious practices and man-made interpretations of the Scriptures to rule their spirit. Well-meaning Christians steer people down the wrong path of regulation and ritual instead of one of living in the grace of relationship with Christ.

If you’ve ever been to Hillsong Church, you know that we place great value on biblical principles such as servanthood, tithing, giving, sharing the faith, and worship. But we’re not bound by them! It’s not an environment where you’ll be kicked out if you didn’t say your prayers or forgot to bring your Bible. When you walk in a true, living, dynamic relationship with Jesus Christ, obedience becomes not a sacrifice but an overflow of your love for God. Your ability to hear God’s voice (and not only hear Him but listen and trust His best intentions and promises for your life) becomes the greatest driving force of your desire to obey. Seeking first the kingdom becomes a natural response rather than a forced reaction.