"By My Obedience"

"For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous." Romans 5:19

This morning as I was praying, the Lord spoke something to my heart that I need to share with you. He let me know that other people are counting on our obedience. When I am obedient to do what the Lord tells me to do, I benefit from it, but so do others. Let me show you what I mean. Noah's obedience in building the ark saved him, but it also saved his family. Moses' obedience to strike the rock brought forth water so that the people could drink and not die of thirst. Jesus' obedience to the Father brought healing, deliverance, hope and freedom to those He came in contact with. And the ultimate example of this principal is Jesus' obedience in going to Calvary. This act of obedience brought the opportunity for every person to receive salvation so that they would not perish but have everlasting life.

If our obedience benefits others as well as ourselves, then the opposite is true also. Achan's disobedience in taking of the spoil at Jericho brought defeat to the armies of Israel and death to his family. David's disobedience in numbering the people caused many thousands to be killed. Adam's disobedience brought sin and death upon all mankind.

It is said that no man liveth unto himself. Our actions have an effect on someone-- whether directly or indirectly, whether for the good or for the bad. Who is being effected by your obedience or disobedience? When we think about it on those terms, then there is a lot more "riding" on our obedience then we think. Obedience keeps us in right relationship with God. It also will bring about something that will minister to someone else when we fulfill our obedience. Through our obedience lives can be changed, bodies can be healed, the captive can be set free, the weak can be strengthened, the hungry fed and the thirsty satisfied. When you are tempted to disobey, stop and think about what the outcome might be for someone else whose life could have been touched through your act of obedience.

Have a great day. They are counting on your obedience.