“Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered; and being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him” (Hebrews 5:8, 9).
What was a key to Christ’s ultimate High Priest vocation? Obedience. Willing and consistent obedience.
Obedience is also a key to our vocation in being a part of today’s royal priesthood (see 1 Peter 2:9).
What began with Jesus’ willing obedience at age 12 continued with consistent obedience through the Garden of Gethsemane and then on to the cross. We must endeavor to do the same, from the beginning of our Christian walk, through the most difficult times we face, and then to our day of death.
It isn’t enough to be haphazardly obedient. A one-hit wonder obedient Christian is not the life Christ desires of us.
There must be a concerted consciousness and consistency in our submission to Him. As John Wesley said, “Be calm and serene, masters of yourselves, and superior to all irrational and disquieting passions.”
I have come to learn there are habits, practices, and attitudes—irrational and disquieting passions—in life that you just don’t simply outgrow in your Christian walk.
Sure, the cycles of these may enlarge over time; that is, we may not experience them as often. Nonetheless, they are still routinely experienced, which makes them far from being broken or destroyed.
Over time, personal experience can bring understanding. However, understanding is not synonymous with submission. Therefore, understanding gained through any life stage does not break a single passionate cycle. It simply offers personal justification as the sinfully obsessive wheel continues to roll.
Thus, time may, on occasion, “heal all wounds,” as the adage goes.
However, time alone won’t bring any of us into the goal of holiness and Christian maturity (perfection) the Lord desires for each of us.
Christ’s perfect sacrifice, His continuing grace and mercy, and our willing and consistent obedience are keys to accomplishing this goal.
This must be a believer’s desire: the obedient discipline of denying our self, transforming our minds, responding to the leading and guiding of the Holy Spirit, and letting the Word of God be our sole truth without adding any personal justification.
