Following Your Convictions, i.e. Obedience

So here we go on the topic of obedience... I hesitated to write this one because I do not like legalism in any fashion, and that can sometimes be the fruit of such discussions. But this is something God has been working on in me, and I knew it was time to share; I trust that His Grace covers my writing and will not let it be received in a way I did not intend :).

For me, as I'm sure for many of you, obedience comes easily in many areas. There were a few stubborn spots, but almost all of them are gone now...career, money, entertainment, etc. But can I be really transparent here and tell you what remains? Food! That's right, I said it, food. It is the Christian drug of choice after all. I say that facetiously, but it does seem to be an accepted habit done in excess but yet isn't considered "sin" to most Christians. And I would agree, that in and of itself, food is not sin. However, if God has been speaking to you and nudging you away from certain foods or habits of eating, and you're still not listening - that is a completely different story. See Exhibit A below...

Romans 14:23 (NLT) - But if you have doubts about whether or not you should eat something, you are sinning if you go ahead and do it. For you are not following your convictions. If you do anything you believe is not right, you are sinning.

This Scripture called my bluff, to say the least, on whether or not I was sinning by continuing to drink my Dr. Pepper (which God had been asking me to give up). Now for you, food (or drink) may not be the issue. But what is it in your life, seemingly insignificant and innocent, that you continue to do regardless of the Spirit saying otherwise? Is it your entertainment choices, the way you prioritize your life, your spending habits, your attitude, etc. May I encourage you to take your blinders off, and admit that even these things (if you believe they are not right) are sin? At this point, you may be asking yourself why I am pointing this out.

I believe we all go through different stages in our relationship with God. When you have reached the point of being fully committed but still have these small remnants of disobedience remaining, you are truly right on the verge of breakthrough but limiting your potential. As it says in Song of Solomon 2:15, it is "the little foxes that spoil the vines."

Commit today to follow your convictions, and to obey in everything He is asking you to do. I will do the same! Now on the upside, and there ALWAYS is an upside with God:

Genesis 22:18 (NLT) - And through your descendants all the nations of the earth will be blessed—all because you have obeyed me.