The Privilege of Obedience

  Obedience is a privilege. That can be a hard concept to grasp. I usually do not count it a privilege to obey because, thanks to my human nature, I usually think of obedience as an unpleasant duty I owe to figures in authority. My inner demons are repelled by the idea of submission and oftentimes I hear the message that freedom comes from rebellion.
  Freedom does not come from rebellion though. This sick and twisted world has so warped our minds that we think what is wrong is right and what is right is wrong. Freedom comes from obedience. I am free because, through Christ, I have been born into a life of obedience. In I Peter 2:24 we read, "He Himself bore our sins in His body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by His wounds you have been healed." Growing up in church I have heard this verse a lot. It throws a wrench in the world's philosophy about freedom. Christ died so that we would be free from the sins the world says will give us freedom. As a Christian I have died to sin so I can live a life of righteousness in obedience to God. I have been granted the privilege of being able to obey God.
  Christianity is different from other religions. Obedience is not a burden I carry around so I can get more brownie points and climb higher up on heaven's social ladder. I obey God out of love for Him. I live for a God who is so great it brings me joy to be able to obey Him. Obedience becomes my great privilege.