Disobedience

“What do you think? There was a man who had two sons. He went to the first and said, ‘Son, go and work today in the vineyard.’ ‘I will not,’ he answered, but later he changed his mind and went. Then the father went to the other son and said the same thing. He answered, ‘I will, sir,’ but he did not go. Which of the two did what his father wanted?” “The first,” they answered. Jesus said to them, “I tell you the truth, the tax collectors and the prostitutes are entering the kingdom of God ahead of you.” Matthew 21:28-31

 

The book I’m currently reading through is “Crazy Love” by Francis Chan. In it, he has a chapter giving a profile of the lukewarm Christian. He quoted this verse, and it made me stop and think for quite awhile. That’s actually pretty unusual, as I plow through books quite rapidly without a whole lot of stopping to think about one paragraph.

 

In many ways, my life reflects that of the first son. When God has asked me to do something in the past, I’ve tried to disobey. I’ve said no. But in the end, my heart is changed. Surrender can be painful at times, but in the end it is always worth it.

 

But so many in the Christian church today are like the second son. They give lip-service to God, but they don’t carry out His commands. John 14:15 says, “If you love me, you will obey what I command.” The second son did not love his father enough to do what he asked. His actions did not reflect his words.

 

I would much rather eat my words, and swallow a whole lot of pride to obey God despite my initial refusal, than disobey and disappoint Him. What about you? Are you simply giving him lip-service by calling yourself a Christian, but not doing what He commands in His word? Or are you willing to humble yourself and do what He calls you to do, even if you swore you never would?