From The Crucible (by Pastor Linda Pugsley)

Obedience is not only doing what you are commanded to do but it is also not doing what God forbids. It’s probably the only thing that when you don’t do something, you actually are doing something. Did that make any sense?

This obedience thing doesn’t mean it’s up to us to determine whether we agree with God’s command or not—it just means, if it’s from God, it is good and we must obey. God even said that obedience is better than sacrifice. Obedience makes you holy; sacrifice only makes you feel holy!

But this obedience thing is hard and sometimes it really hurts. So you really have to make sure when you feel burdened by obedience that you don’t fall into the trap of complaining about it. Rather, run to the Lord quickly. Do any complaining right there at His feet, instead of to your fellow man. Complaining to others opens the door to self-pity, anger, rage and a host of things that will hinder you in hearing from God and being a godly example to others.

Complaining and groaning before God is a safe place to get things off your chest. Being in His presence will not foster a “pity city” response. Being in His presence will bring you understanding and will temper your thoughts so you can see the “view from the top”, as He does.

Philippians 2:14-15 sums it up so well, “Do all things without grumbling or complaining, that you may prove yourselves to be blameless and innocent children of God, above reproach in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you appear as lights in the world.” Endure the fire—it’s producing pure gold!

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