Why then did you not obey the voice of the Lord? Why did you pounce on the spoil and do what was evil in the sight of the Lord?” And Saul said to Samuel,“I have obeyed the voice of the Lord. I have gone on the mission on which the Lord sent me. I have brought Agag the king of Amalek, and I have devoted the Amalekites to destruction. But the people took of the spoil, sheep and oxen, the best of the things devoted to destruction, to sacrifice to the Lord your God in Gilgal.” And Samuel said, “Has the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to listen than the fat of rams.”
1 Samuel 15:19-22
I have always loved a personal relationship with God. I love that He created the Bible and gave His Spirit to those who believe. But there was always something that bothered me. Jesus said, “If you love me you will obey my commandments.” I always just glazed over this verse. Sure I love Jesus, and of course I obey Him. It’s not as if I’m going out there committing crimes like the rest of the world, right? I couldn’t be further from the truth.
Over the past few years, I’ve struggled with the concept of hell. By struggle, I mean that I really chose to ignore the magnitude of the situation. Think about it. We have a few short years on this earth, maybe 80-90 if we’re lucky. And based off what we do and believe we spend eternity either with God (Heaven) or eternity away from God (Hell). So what am I doing living a life of comfort and not telling people about the greatness and mercy of God? I’ve always known that God wants me to tell everyone I can about Him. But I’ve been good at suppressing that thought and ignoring it.
Thankfully and prayerfully, I decided to be a part of SMI Philly 2012. We go outside almost daily to people’s houses in the tough neighborhood of Kensington (North Philadelphia) and we have an opportunity to share the power of Jesus’ death and resurrection. It’s been awesome to be able to go into houses and just caring for them as Jesus would have. I’ve witnessed someone come to Christ and realize their need for Him. As for me, I’ve finally felt some peace just being obedient to God. It brings a smile to my face just getting an opportunity to explain to people the goodness of Christ and share my testimony of Him working in my life. I just want to completely submit myself to His will and obey Him so I can hear these two words: “Well done.”
– Jibu