Monday, November 12, 2007

O is for Obedient


A friend of mine told me that his niece has discovered the words "I don't want to," and will say it to any suggestion before it's even said. It may actually be something that she wants to do but she won't change her answer (most of the time), because she's already said no. She may be missing out on something that she would enjoy just because she has to stick to her silly rebellious attitude.
How often do you say no to someone just because it's them asking you to do something you don't want to do, whatever it is that they are suggesting or asking or even telling you to do (be it boss, parent, sister, friend)? I'm like this more than I'd like to admit (rebel at heart). For instance, all my sister has to say to me is "you should...." and immediately I shut down to whatever it is that she thinks I "should" do. It may a great idea, something I agree with but because SHE told me I should do it I really don't want to agree.

I've been wondering a lot lately if I have this same attitude with anyone else. Do I have this same sort of rebellious attitude even with what God wants me to do with my life? Don't get me wrong I want mine to be a life that is God honoring and following the path of His will, but do I sometimes dismiss what he tells me because I really don't want to do it? I'm not sure if this is making any sense but I have just been wondering how mature I am with my ability to listen and obey to what God has in store for my life. If my childishly rebellious attitude with my sister telling me what I "should" do is like this, how am I with my attitude in other areas of my life.

Lord help me to never be blind to the areas in my life that need work and help me (with Your help) to overcome them. Help me to grow up to be Your child, open and obedient to Your will.

2 comments:

Elizabeth Bradley said...

I've been contemplating this post for days now... in some ways it's right where I am and exactly what I needed to hear. Thanks for your transparency! It is so hard to be obedient to God's voice in our lives... and to willingly listen and respond to the voices of others.

Julie Bungard said...

No matter how old you get, this thought is a struggle for everyone. I just posted something on my blog about this and I have concluded that I cannot possiby be dependent on myself to please the Lord, but I must be listening to Him so He can tell me how I can please Him.