Look, listen, and live. Although the phrase is widely recognized as a way of teaching safety habits when around railroad crossings, it also holds some valuable advice for the Christian.
To a nonbeliever, the Christian life may simply look like a list of do’s and don’ts. In fact, the list of don’ts can sometimes seem so great that it can discourage people from really committing their lives to God. We’ve all heard the excuse, “There’s too much I’d have to give up if I became a Christian.” While following God should result in a life change, this process has to start with the heart.
The first reason we choose to do God’s will is because we love Him.
Jesus said in John 14:15, “If you love me, you will keep my commandments.”
A good leader leads with influence, not out of force. God is all-powerful, but He never forces us to follow Him because it wouldn’t be genuine. God desires true worshippers who follow because they love Him.
The second reason we choose do what God says is because it leads to life.
The book of Proverbs, a book all about the acquisition of wisdom, tells the value of following good instruction.
“My son, do not forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commandments; for the length of days and years of life and peace will be added to you.”
-Proverbs 3:1-2
“For the commandment is a lamp and the teaching is a light; and reproofs for discipline are the way of life.”
-Proverbs 6:23
As Christians, we don’t just obey God or follow His rules because “He says so”. We do it because we know that His plans for us are good. Jesus said that He came so we may live life abundantly, so why do we sometimes act like becoming a Christian puts us in a straight jacket? Let’s start flipping that perspective. Following God is a pathway to freedom, not bondage.
All you have to do is…
1. Look to Jesus
2. Listen to His Commands
3. Live It Out
And we choose to do this because of the love we have for God and because we know His way is the only way that leads to abundant life!