Intimacy, Dependence, and Obedience

How's your relationship with God? The kind Jesus had with His Father is the kind He wants you to have. Three things describe that relationship: Intimacy, Dependence, and Obedience.

1. Intimacy - John 5:20a

You interact with many people throughout the day, buy you only share your heart with those you are close to, and those you trust. How close are you to God? Close enough to hear Him speak to you? Close enough to know when you've said or done something which has grieved Him? Close enough to feel the warmth of His presence? Truth is, you are as close to God right now as you desire to be, decide to be, and discipline yourself to be.

Intimacy is base on one word: Desire.

How much do you desire God? Psalm 36:8, 63:1 and Job 23:12 show how David and Job desire God.

Do you desire Him, His House, and His Word?

2. Dependence - John 5:19

Jesus knew He couldn't do anything without His Father, so He didn't bother to try. We on the other hand, sing, "Without Him I can do nothing," then go out and act like it all depends on us. If we succeed, we often become so conceited that nobody can stand us. And if we fail, it's usually because we collapsed under the weight of an assignment God didn't give us in the first place. Have you ever wondered why Jesus never struggled with insecurity or battled the fear of failure like we do? Because it never even occurred to Him that He couldn't do something that His Father had already assured Him He could do. When you know you have heard from God, you can face any obstacle or enemy with confidence. God will never give you an assignment that does not require His wisdom and under girding strength. Every act of God is designed to increase your dependence on Him. You say, "But I have talent. I can do a lot of things!" Yeah, but you can do nothing that matters in God's eyes. So before you begin your day, kneel and pray, "Lord, I'm counting on You!" At least acknowledge your dependence on Him.

3. Obedience - John 5:20b

Jesus neither considered nor consulted His own will in the matter. Instead, He focused like a laser on one thing: doing the Will of God, no more, no less. Note the words, "As I hear" in verse 20. When you have heard from God, the discussion is over. It's time to act. God's not going to change His mind, so you need to start changing yours and "get with the program."

When you make Jesus the Lord of your life, you give up three basic rights: 1) what it will cost you, 2) where it will take you, and 3) the extent to which it will change you. Sounds demanding, but it's also very protective. When God told His people to do something, He also told them why: "That it might go well with you." (Deuteronomy 5) God's not trying to cramp your style, make your life hard, or put you in a straight jacket. He's a Father who only wants the best for His children. So when you walk in obedience, God's best is what you'll get.

So, be intimate, dependent and obedient to God your Father. It's what He expects from you.