Article October 31, 1970 Issue

How Obedient Are We?

RAYMOND JACKSON ALLEN

The history of the children of Israel offers a striking record of the results both of obedience and of disobedience to God. When they were obedient, they prospered; when they were disobedient, they suffered disaster.

As one reads the story, he asks himself why they were so blind and stupid. Couldn't they see what happened when they were obedient and then what happened when they were disobedient? Then he begins to examine his own thought and conduct and to detect a similar tendency to be slow in learning the lesson of obedience to God. He is aware of a struggle between the desire to be obedient and an inclination to be disobedient. His experience is similar to that of Paul, who said, "The good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do." Rom. 7:19;

Why do we, like Paul and the children of Israel, appear to be slow in learning the lesson of obedience? For one thing, we are not always aware that we are being disobedient. Unknowingly we may be letting personal sense influence us, manifesting traits of character foreign to our true nature, allowing ourselves to drift off into sensual indulgence, entertaining unkindly thoughts about others, or permitting petty annoyances to disturb us. These are all forms of disobedience to God that need to be recognized.

Enjoy 1 free Sentinel article or audio program each month, including content from 1898 to today.

Send a comment to the editors
NEXT IN THIS ISSUE
Poem
FOLLOW AND REJOICE
October 31, 1970
Contents

We'd love to hear from you!

Easily submit your testimonies, articles, and poems online.

Submit