byIt’s been a while since I actively studied the Bible. I used to feel guilty about this as if my spiritual fire was dimming and God was distancing Himself, but I recently came to understand that it is a perfectly normal thing to happen. It was one of those times when circumstances caused me to have different proprieties. However, when I realise I haven’t spent enough time with God and I rush to make up for it, it doesn’t mean I’m faking it or merely following the dictates of religion. It’s about taking control of my priorities, choosing to put them straight and not letting emotions dictate my actions. It’s about taking control of my life and choosing God over my own desires. Today, as it stands, everyone has their free will and the freedom to choose what to do. But let’s find out why you should choose to obey God and how we can overcome our desires to do so.
Free will
You have free will, but God advises you to choose life (see Deuteronomy 30:19), a life aligned with His divine plan. Remember, Scripture says, “Not everything that is lawful is beneficial” (see 1 Corinthians 10:23). When you allow your emotions to take control, you might act impulsively and recklessly, similar to animals. However, God did not create you that way. He made you a rational being, capable of thoughtful decision-making. Unlike animals, driven solely by instinct, you have the power to make your own choices.
Furthermore, this is how you can love God intentionally. Every choice you make either draws you closer to Him or drives you apart. So Jesus said, “If you love me, keep my commandments” (John 14:15). A loving God wouldn’t want you to obey like a robot or take away the free will He has given you. Instead, He desires your willing devotion.
A loving God wouldn’t want you to obey like a robot or take away the free will He has given you. Instead, He desires your willing devotion.
God’s love
God’s love is so vast that you will never be able to comprehend it fully. In this infinite love, God chose not to leave you after you sinned but to save you. And although your sinful nature may often lead you to desire other ungodly things, don’t let guilt overwhelm you. Remember that God came for sinners like you, so don’t be ashamed to confess your feelings to Him.
As you daily mortify the deeds of your flesh (see Romans 8:13) and choose to heed the Holy Spirit, you allow God to work on you to become the perfect person He desires, whose choices, preferences, and priorities mirror His own. Until then, remember to intentionally choose to run back to God whenever you need Him because He came for people like you.
In the Bible, David committed numerous sins, but God still called him a man after His own heart. That was because he continually returned to God to make things right. God’s love is always ready and available for you, but you must choose to obey Him. So that, even when you fall short, you can rise again and choose to let Him transform you.
Lawful but not helpful
While some things may be legally permissible, they may not always be spiritually beneficial for you. As a Christian, be determined to set yourself apart and dedicate your life to God. Before you engage in any activity, ask yourself: ‘Will this help me grow closer to God? Will this help me fulfill God’s purpose for my life?’ If the answer is no, choose wisely. This narrow path may often seem hard compared to the broad one, but the end is surely one of peace and eternal life.
In the end, the choice is yours. You can choose to let your desires dictate your actions, or you can choose to obey God. The path of obedience may not always be easy, but it leads to a life of true fulfilment and eternal reward. God’s love is vast and enduring, and He is always ready to forgive and restore. So make the conscious decision to choose life, to choose God, and to live a life that glorifies Him.
