In the military, the chain of command is critical to effectiveness. A superior gives orders to subordinates, and the subordinates execute the orders. Simple, functional, and effective…in theory.
In the life of a free individual, however, the lines seem to be blurred today in America. People seem to be greatly offended if a command is given by another.
Whether it be a police officer, a teacher, a parent or an employer. When given a command, people seem to arch their backs and stiffen their necks in resistance. They either fail to comply entirely, or they grudgingly comply. Often with disastrous results that are their own fault.
God’s instruction book, the Bible, is full of commands: commands to His people (Israelites), commands to individuals, commands to believers in Christ, commands to unbelievers.
Do you receive commands, or does your pride puff you up with self-righteous indignation. Do you believe that the Creator of all things has authority over you, or do you see the commands He makes to you in His book as a buffet from which you may pick and choose?
God’s commands are for the good of those who comply with them. But we can’t expect calm waters when disobey His commands.
Deuteronomy 11:13
‘And it shall be that if you earnestly obey My commandments which I command you today, to love the LORD your God and serve Him with all your heart and with all your soul,
Deuteronomy 30:16
“in that I command you today to love the LORD your God, to walk in His ways, and to keep His commandments, His statutes, and His judgments, that you may live and multiply; and the LORD your God will bless you in the land which you go to possess.”
Psalm 97:10
You who love the LORD, hate evil! He preserves the souls of His saints; He delivers them out of the hand of the wicked.
Proverbs 10:8
The wise in heart will receive commands, But a prating fool will fall.
Ecclesiastes 8:5
He who keeps his command will experience nothing harmful; And a wise man’s heart discerns both time and judgment,
Jeremiah 1:7
But the LORD said to me: “Do not say, ‘I am a youth,’ For you shall go to all to whom I send you, And whatever I command you, you shall speak.”
Jeremiah 1:17
“Therefore prepare yourself and arise, And speak to them all that I command you. Do not be dismayed before their faces, Lest I dismay you before them.”
Matthew 14:28
And Peter answered Him and said, “Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water.”
Matthew 22:37-40
Jesus said to him, “‘You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.”
John 10:18
“No one takes it from Me, but I lay it down of Myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This command I have received from My Father.”
John 12:49-50
“For I have not spoken on My own authority; but the Father who sent Me gave Me a command, what I should say and what I should speak. And I know that His command is everlasting life. Therefore, whatever I speak, just as the Father has told Me, so I speak.”
John 15:14
“You are My friends if you do whatever I command you.”
Revelation 3:10
“Because you have kept My command to persevere, I also will keep you from the hour of trial which shall come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth.”
Just a few verses here relating to the commands of God. There are many many more, but these struck me this morning. I hope they add value to your day.
