Incentives for Obedience
“But you have not so learned Christ, if indeed you have heard of Him and have been taught by Him, as the truth is in Jesus: that you put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts, and be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness.”
My last meditation was on God as our Owner, King and Lord. There comes many duties along with being His subject. We must sacrifice our whole life and all our possessions for Him and obey Him to the utmost of our power. This is incredibly difficult. However it is so rewarding and so necessary that we should not think it is too hard or not worth it. Where do we get the incentive so that we can change our mind to obedience and sacrifice?
Firstly we can remember how God is the best ruler and governor. He has perfect wisdom (Rom 16:27), and thus knows what is best for everyone. He is perfectly good (Matt 19:17; James 1:17), and therefore will not put any evil into His laws. He is almighty (Gen 17:1; Matt 19:26; Rev 1:8), and therefore will protect His subjects from all harm. He is perfectly just (Rom 3:25), and thus He is impartial and fair. He is perfectly truthful (2 Sam 7:28), and will therefore never lie to oppress His subjects. Finally, He is our Father and Friend, and loves us more than we love ourselves and thus we have motivation to trust Him, and cheerfully and gladly obey Him.
Secondly we can perceive how unfit we are to rule and govern ourselves. We are so blind and ignorant. We are biassed, turbulent, weak, lying individuals. We can't even protect ourselves! We constantly desire the fleeting desires of our own defiled heart (Psalm 81:12). For us to govern and rule ourselves is like the rider to be governed by the horse.
We can consider that when we are not being governed by God we will be governed by the world and the devil. They have no interest in your happiness, in your everlasting joy, in protecting you. Satan wants your death, and if you serve him you will die. “For if you live according to the flesh you will die” (Romans 8:13). “For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption” (Galatians 6:8).
Look at all those who are being ruled by their own flesh, the world and the devil. Look at the unsatisfied millionaires, the celebrities in bondage to popularity, the begging homeless, the cursing hypocrites, and you will see what it is like to be ruled by something other than God. Look at the nations whose peace is crumbling to pieces because they do not put God's law first.
Remember what God has done for you. He's created you, preserves you, saved you from eternal death and constantly sanctifies you. He's sacrificed His Son for you. Isn't that incentive to obey Him, sacrifice everything you have for Him and serve Him diligently?
Just as a nation needs a government and law-enforcement, so too is God's universal government necessary. Governments keep peace, security and order in the world. Nations would be full of thieves and murderers if not for law and order. Doesn't this make you think honourably and delightfully of the law of God?
In order to be motivated to obey this law of our King, think of the rewards and punishments God has in place to obtain obedience. He rewards the obedient with everlasting blessedness, and punishes those who disobey with everlasting pain and damnation. Even though no reward is deserved, He has promised a reward for those who honour His law. To one party He will say, “Well done, good and faithful servant,” and to the other He will cast into the outer darkness (Matthew 25:14-30).
There are many incentives to obey God. It is the most pleasurable and rewarding thing to obey Him, but it is the most unsatisfying and damning thing to disregard His law. He is the best Lawgiver there ever was and will be, and also the most just. God will rule you whether you consent or not. Consent to His rule now, or you will be punished without Him asking for your consent.
There is one Lawgiver, who is able to save and to destroy (James 4:12).
For the LORD is our judge,
The LORD is our Lawgiver,
The LORD is our King;
He will save us (Isaiah 33:22).
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