Vaughn

I'd like to meet:

Love creates emotional significance that eclipses the object itself...follow the courage of your convictions.

God in his very essence is love, John 3:16 states this unforgettably: though man has repudiated him God loves the world, and the extent of his love was the sacrifice of his own Son, Jesus Christ, who was willing to lay down his life. On the basis of God's love the believer is enjoined to love God, who is deserving, and to love his fellow man and even his enemy. God's love is not only basic but it continually extends to the underserving and unloving, as seen in his continuing love for the wayward believer. Thus there is a deep loyalty in God's love, and this is the basis of God's command for man's love. Therefore, God's love is seeking the highest good in the one loved, and man is enjoined to seek the highest good or the will of God in the one loved

A passion to obey God does not suddenly appear in the believer's life. Salvation sparks love and a desire to please Him, but a passionate fire is built slowly from the timbers of spiritual knowledge, faith, and devotion.

Obedience usually begins with a fear of the consequences of disobeying. Until believers build a firm foundation of biblical knowledge and trust that offers better reasons to follow God, we are kept safe by the desire to avoid harsh repercussions. Thankfully, as we mature and gain greater scriptural wisdom, fear is replaced by recognition of God's sovereignty and a commitment to submit to His wisdom.

Following God's will shifts our focus from disobedience's consequences to obedience's blessings. Once we taste the best He has to offer, we want to keep good flowing into our lives. Obedience and God's best are natural partners -- good derives from following divine commands, while suffering results when we stubbornly choose our own way. This irrevocable principle plays out in the Bible as well as in day-to-day life. Every act of obedience is rewarded -- either on earth or in heaven. As we become more aware of how blessing follows obedience, we realize that complying with the Lord's will is the only wise choice.

As our faith grows, we will learn that blessing's motivational power is not as strong as that of devotion. All the promised blessing in the world cannot make a believer follow God into some frightening places. But love for our Father compels us toward passionate obedience, no matter what is at stake.