Obedience to Christ and Experience of Christ (part 1)

Whoever has My commands and obeys them is the one who loves Me. Anyone who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I too will love them and show Myself to them. (John 14:21)

I find this verse inescapable. If I truly love Christ, then I will both know (“have”) His commands and obey them. There are many who claim they love Christ, yet their lives are not marked by obedience to Christ. Their words have not become a reality in their lives because His words have not become a reality in their lives. Obedience is the mark of true love in our relationship with Jesus Christ. Later in this same teaching Jesus says, “Anyone who loves Me will obey My teaching….Anyone who does not love Me will not obey My teaching” (John 14:23a, 24a).

Two questions that we have to consider are:

1. Do I ‘have’ Jesus’ commands?
2. Do I ‘obey’ Jesus’ commands?

Obviously, in answer to the first, I have the commands of Christ in a literal way. As I write these words, a Bible lies open on the table before me. I am in possession of Jesus’ words. I could rightfully say that I own them because I purchased this Bible and it is now mine. Yet it is appropriate to push the words have and own to their limit. Even if I have them in my possession, do I really have them inside of me? Do I own them internally?

In terms of the second question, I must consider whether I obey Jesus’ commands. Without a doubt, my obedience is not complete. I aim to obey, but I daily fall short of complete obedience. I fail to help that person in need. I don’t walk across my yard to share my faith with my neighbor. Obedience increases, however, as we grow in grace. As Paul wrote to the believers in Rome: “so now offer yourselves as slaves to righteousness leading to holiness” (Romans 6:19). Offering ourselves in obedience will lead to holiness; it is a process of growth.