Random thoughts.
As I was walking this morning, I listened to a book called The Theology of the Cross. It made me contemplate the distinction between obedience and sacrifice. One question that crossed my mind was whether it is possible to obey God without sacrificing. Can one make sacrifices without obeying? What is God’s perception of us if we only obey or sacrifice? Where did the significance of all this begin?
Obedience and Sacrifice are mutually inclusive. One without the other is selfish and manipulative.
In particular churches, every Sunday, the congregation witnesses the baptism of infants or adults as a symbolic act to purify them from original sin. The forgiveness for that sin came through Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross. In the garden, disobedience occurred alongside the realization that loving another could surpass one’s love for God. Many individuals today deeply long to please God, recognizing the importance of spiritual connection. God found great joy in Adam and Eve’s obedience and love for Him, but everything changed when they chose to disobey. Their once pure hearts became burdened with shame and fear as sin entered their lives.
As a consequence of their disobedience, humankind was stripped of their immortality and forced to embrace mortality. In addition to their disobedience, Adam and Eve tended to shift blame onto others. First, Eve blamed the serpent, deeming it responsible for her choices. Then, Adam turned his anger towards God, questioning His decision to give him the woman. As a result, we carry on with those actions in the present day, and our inclination to seek God’s favor manifests our sinful tendencies. We should focus on our growth and not worry about trying to please God. Being obedient is a way to show our love for God.
There is no way for us to regain the innocence that Adam and Eve lost in their disobedience. To some extent, our pursuit of immortality requires us to understand that pleasing God is essential. The emphasis is on obedience rather than sacrifice. When we face God, if we have been obedient, we can expect to hear Him say, “Well done, my faithful servant.” At that point, we will take off the mortality and put on the immortality and be with Christ for all eternity. It is through our obedience, not through any sacrifices we make, that our love for God shines. Obedience comes with its share of sacrifices, of course. The acceptance of our sacrifice is contingent upon our obedience. It is important to remember that our love for God cannot be expressed through acts of “goodness.” It’s like manipulation, just like the games we played as children when we pit one parent against the other to get what we desired after tidying up our room. Even now, in our relationship with Jesus, that attitude remains present. Some, if not most of us, proudly proclaim, “Jesus, I have been good and have loved others just as you taught.” Would you give me a new car because I have been obedient? Using obedience as a tool for self-interest is not an expression of genuine love but a calculated manipulation.
I have arrived at the understanding that any sacrifice that is not aligned with God’s will holds no value. It can be said that there is a notable disparity between good works and evil good works. When we carry out tasks according to God’s will and purposes, they are classified as good works; however, when we act outside of God’s will, our actions are considered bad-good works, as they stem from our desires. If I willingly sacrifice something to prove my love for God and show that I am committed to doing what is necessary, I act contrary to God’s will. Yet, if I choose to sacrifice according to God’s instructions, that sacrifice is in line with His will because it is carried out within the framework of His intentions and purpose.
In any case, there is a great deal more to consider. I am contemplating whether the commands I perceive are divine instructions that will lead to sacrifice or if they are motivated by my desire to prove my worth and love for God.
Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ!
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