Communication & Obedience with God

There can be no relationship without communication.  That communication may be verbal, written, sign language, Morris Code, smoke signal or some other medium.  It can occur in person, by phone, via text, through email, by letter or social media.  No matter the form, communication is essential for a relationship.  And there is no greater relationship than our relationship with God.  There is no greater communication tool for building our relationship with God than the Word of God. 

​Our connection to the Word is an indication of the strength of our relationship with God.  The significance of the Word of God is wonderfully displayed in the conversation that Jesus has with His disciples in John 14.  In John 14:21 Jesus says, “He who has My commandments and keeps them, it is he who loves Me. And he who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and manifest Myself to him" (NKJV).  This verse provides us with challenging insights that will strengthen our connection with God through His word.   

If we are going to have a strong connection with God, we must have a knowledge of the Word.  It is the Word that reveals the will of God.  Knowledge of the word is progressive.  There are different degrees of knowledge of the word and there are different factors that contribute to our knowledge of the word, or lack thereof.  Some people have not spent enough time in the word to know what the word says.  It is impossible to have an accurate knowledge of God without knowing His word. 

​However, Jesus did not stop at knowledge.  There is obedience to the Word.  The giving of the Word demonstrates God’s love for us.  Obedience to the Word demonstrates our love for God.  Our desire for a relationship with God fuels our obedience to His word (see Psalm 119:11).  It is important to note that it is not fear that should drive our obedience.  Keeping the word and treasuring it in your heart means that you are responding to God out of love for Him, not out of fear of Him.  Your level of commitment changes when your obedience to the word of God is based on love for God and not fear or convenience.  Love changes the attitude behind your obedience and service to God.  There is a positive cycle that goes on.  Our love for God leads to obedience.  Obedience leads to a deeper knowledge.  Deeper knowledge leads to more love.  Love leads to obedience.  Obedience leads to a deeper knowledge.