“Because!” Sometimes in response to the “why” of certain actions, someone might respond, “Just because.” But “because of what?” Our English word “because” stems from 14th century “by cause”. As I look at the word I am struck by the compound of “be” and “cause” [be-cause] which makes me wonder about what it is that “causes” me to “be” the way I am. Am I the way I am “because” of external motivators (rules, threats, etc.) or “because” of something more internal (personal desires, character, accepted values, personal connection with certain individuals, etc.)?
On an occasion when Jesus was questioned regarding the most important commandment of all, He referred to the foundation on which the Jewish law rested; a singleness of devotion to God; a love for God that included the heart, soul, mind, and strength, and the love one was to have for others. (Mark 12:29-31) Even as we look at the listing of the Ten Commandments given at Sinai, the first four related to mankind’s relationship with God and the other six addressed mankind’s relationship with one another.
The Scribe who had questioned Jesus appears to have understood the Lord’s focus and agreed, for we read. . .
“(32) And the scribe said to him, “You are right, Teacher. You have truly said that he is one, and there is no other besides him. (33) And to love him with all the heart and with all the understanding and with all the strength, and to love one’s neighbor as oneself, is much more than all whole burnt offerings and sacrifices.” (34) And when Jesus saw that he answered wisely, he said to him, “You are not far from the kingdom of God.” And after that no one dared to ask him any more questions.” (Mark 12:32-34 ESV)
Jesus acknowledged this one was getting it. This scribe understood the difference between having merely a “law” relationship with God and a “love” relationship! Some placed so much emphasis on “law” they forgot about relationship. Does that mean obedience to God’s commands is not important? Not at all!
Remember when King Saul came back from a battle where all was to be devoted to destruction (1 Samuel 15:3), but instead plunder was brought back. (1 Samuel 15:9) Saul tried to rationalize the disobedience by saying it was being brought back to offer as sacrifice to God. (1 Samuel 15:15) However, we read. . .
“(22) 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. (23) For rebellion is as the sin of divination, and presumption is as iniquity and idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the Lord, he has also rejected you from being king.”” (1 Samuel 15:22-23 ESV)
Jesus also exhorted. . .
“(15) If you love me, you will keep my commandments.” (John 14:15 ESV)
An expectation of obedience is still in the equation. However, the aim of such ought to be “because” of the love relationship we have with God and with our Lord. Though obedience to God’s Will has been His expectation even going back as far as the Garden of Eden, such is to be prompted by a properly maintained relationship with Him. Rather than obedience being compelled by the strong arm of law, what God seems to desire most is that which is prompted by the genuineness of a love relationship with Him. Though God’s Authority is the Authority to always be acknowledged, it is a love relationship with Him that will have the greatest power in “causing” us to “be” the kind of people we ought to be. Being more concerned with breaking God’s heart than His commands ought to be the most compelling power in the relationship. May our entire being be drawn in genuine love toward Him as we seek to please Him in all things.
Have a great day COMPELLED TO LIVE AND LOVE BECAUSE WE BE HIS!
Carl
