In John 14 Jesus made two very important statements about obedience. First He said, “If you love Me, you will obey what I command.” Then He stated, “He who does not love Me will not obey My teaching.” Obedience and love are tied to each other. I believe that true obedience requires love and that love will ultimately show itself through obedience. If my belief is correct then obedience is much more than simply doing what one is told or keeping laws, commands and rules. Obedience becomes about relationship, it is not merely the fear of punishment but a longing for communion, a desire to fulfill and increase intimacy. As we move forward into a new year I am praying to live a life of greater obedience; not merely that I will be willing to do the right thing more often but that my heart and my mind, my life will be lived in a desire to know God, to please God and to trust Him enough to know that He will guide me in truth, in life and in the way of righteousness.