When I was in college, I took a course in computer language.
Our professor observed, “Computers are dumb; they just do what you tell them.” Then he explained the if/then scenario. If we tell the computer to complete the command, then it will follow. The computer obeys these commands if we press a key.
The if/then process is simple to understand but challenging to do, especially as the Bible instructs.
Psalm 119 promises both blessings and blamelessness. How blessed are those whose way is blameless, who walk in the Law of the Lord. How blessed are those who keep His testimonies, who seek Him with their whole heart. The answer lies within these two verses. If we walk in the Law (conform our lives to Scripture), observe God’s testimonies (obedience), and seek God with all our hearts (forsake worldliness), then we will be blessed and blameless. But this is not easy. Many things keep us from walking and seeking the Lord with all our hearts.
Stubborn independence is one. From the day we are born, we desire our way. We struggle against the authority of parents, siblings, teachers, government, and ultimately, God. We require the care of a gracious God who loves us enough to provide His Word for our direction and growth. He designed us to be governed.
God alo provides a path to blight and guilt for those who do not submit to Him. However, when we obey God’s Word, He blesses us. Even if we feel ruined and guilty, being blessed and blameless is still possible. Obedience is the key.
Blessed does not mean having material rewards. Blessed means being content and complete. It means peace from the confidence we gain when we consistently please God.
Christians cannot rely on self-righteousness. We should walk uprightly and joyously as obedient children, free from the burden of disobedience. If we seek God’s favor, then we must seek Him with all our hearts.
How can you be more obedient and improve your seeking the Lord?
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Bill Branks is a pastor and writer who lives in Detroit, Michigan. He has been pastoring in the inner city for eighteen years, writes about his experiences in the city, and draws biblical applications and devotions from this journey. You can read more at billbranks.substack.com.