Simple Obedience – Part Two
Think about these words from Dietrich Bonhoeffer:
“Only the believers obey, and only the obedient believe.
It is really unfaithfulness to the Bible to have the first statement without the second. Only the believer obeys- we think we can understand that. Of course, obedience follows faith, the way good fruit comes from a good tree (Matt. 7:17), we say. First there is faith, then obedience. If this meant only that faith alone justifies us and not deeds of obedience, then it is a firm and necessary precondition for everything else. But if it meant a chronological sequence, that faith would have to come first, to be later followed by obedience, then faith and obedience are torn apart, and the very practical question remains open: when does obedience start? Obedience remains separated from faith.
Because we are justified by faith, faith and obedience have to be distinguished. But their division must never destroy their unity, which lies in the reality that faith exists only in obedience, is never without obedience. Faith is only faith in obedience” (Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Discipleship DBW 4 (Fortress Press, 2003 ): 63-64.
I like the idea of simple obedience.
It means doing exactly what Jesus would tell us to do. For example, the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7) has to be our rule of life. These teachings are to define what we actually do on a day in — day out basis.
To do anything less might mean that we lack faith. Do we really know Jesus if we don’t remain in his words?
I do believe in grace, as much as I ever have. But I think the grace of God empowers us so that we can take on the high calling of following Jesus and seeing His kingdom come into this world. As we are ready to take Jesus more seriously, the Holy Spirit makes our hearts more responsive and opens us to what our lives might become in God’s presence.
“Faith is only faith in obedience.” May you be obedient today even as you enjoy the holdiays. As best as you can, listen to the voice of Jesus and his voice alone.
