Skip to content
Because my kids are getting older, I am starting to have some interesting conversations with them. One particular subject is about why we obey God if we are saved by faith in Jesus. What is the motivation for doing what God says?
The answer is one that I suspect many of us forget or at least overlook. The role of obedience seems unnatural to us—largely because we are wired to work from reward or punishment model. But in Christ, we already have our greatest reward. So what motivates us to obey God (which we must)?
Love. J.C. Ryle said it well, “Love is the grand secret of true obedience to God.”
When we feel towards Him as children feel towards a dear father, we shall delight to do His will. We shall not find His commandments grievous, and work for Him like slaves under fear of the lash. We shall take pleasure in trying to keep His laws, and mourn when we transgress them. None work so well as those who work out of love. The fear of punishment, or the desire of reward, are principles of far less power. They do the will of God best, who do it from the heart.[1. J.C. Ryle, Expository Thoughts on Matthew (Kindle Edition)]
