1 QUOTE

The missing note in the church today is not spirituality but rather obedience. We have generated a variety of religion to which obedience is not regarded as essential.

– Dallas Willard

1 NOTE

This past Saturday USC defeated UCLA on a cold, misty night at the Rose Bowl. The game made me think of my favorite college sweatshirt: my thick, but cozy, embroidered, not pressed, and perfectly fitting fall hoodie. I grew up in the suburbs of Los Angeles. I was never exposed to poverty. When I became a Christian, I quickly learned of God’s love for the poor. And I was confronted with his command to join him in loving those who cannot pay us back (Luke 14:14).

One late night while pumping gas, I met a homeless man who asked for help. It was really cold. He was only wearing a t-shirt. His right elbow was so full of fluid it looked like a softball somehow slipped under his skin. He was in bad shape. He clearly needed help. As I was buying him some food in the gas mart, I the Holy Spirit began to press me to give him my sweatshirt. I pretended that I didn’t feel it. But then, in a still-small voice, I heard the Jesus say, “John, give him your sweatshirt.” Instead of giving him the sweatshirt, I asked him if he needed a ride. As we drove to his spot, I knew I was supposed to give him my sweatshirt. But I justified myself with a lame excuse, “But this is my only hoodie sweatshirt.” My heart was hardening with each mile. As we pulled up to his destination, I heard the Father speak to me in a gentle, but firm voice, “John, give him your sweatshirt.” God didn’t raise his voice. He didn’t get into an argument with me. And I chose not submit to God. I chose to disobey. And I let the man leave my car, with his giant right elbow, into the cold night.

During ‘The Last Night’ (John 13:1-17:26), Jesus prepares his disciples to be in Spirit-filled relationship with him. Abiding in the Vine is the central metaphor. Obedience is one of the signs that you are actively abiding in Christ. “If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love” (John 15:10).

Failing this obedience test turned out to be a vital development in my relationship with Jesus. It introduced me to the concept of ‘obedience testing’. This is one of God’s proven methods to develop his leaders. Without failing and learning from my failed obedience test, there is no way Becky and I would have gone on to live among and do our best to love the urban poor.

Leadership Article: For a deeper dive on obedience testing please click on the button below.

Obedience Testing: Jonah, Philip, & Why God Tests

1 QUESTION

How is God calling you to faithful obedience this week?

I pray God gives you special grace to know when you are being tested. And special wisdom to know what values God is testing in you.

May we prove and improve our faith…and pass our tests!