The real reason to be obedient is because God loves us and He has the perfect plan for our lives. Obedience is the way to discover that plan.

“Always be ready to give an explanation

to anyone who asks you for a reason for your hope,

but do it with gentleness and reverence,

keeping your conscience clear,

so that, when you are maligned,

those who defame your good conduct in Christ

may themselves be put to shame.”

“If you love me, you will keep my commandments.

And I will ask the Father,

and he will give you another Advocate to be with you always,

the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot accept,

because it neither sees nor knows him.”

Our world often equates being obedient to relinquishing freedom. However, being obedient actually makes us more free to become more fully ourselves.

Children learn about obedience through their relationship with their parents. If obedience is used along with fear to force acceptable behavior, this affects how that person sees obedience to God later. Although it’s extremely difficult, demanding obedience as parents must always be surrounded with love. Parents should try not to discipline in anger, which is difficult in times of stress.

We have many psychological motivations for our actions. For instance, if we have bad thoughts about ourselves because we do bad things, we might try to convince ourselves that those things are actually good to justify our actions. Other times, we may feel bad about one area of our life and try to overcompensate in another area to “make up” for the first instead of addressing the root of the issue.

Any psychological disorder is a problem with love. Sin is anti-love, anti-relationship.

God sends us the Paraclete, who is a comforter and helper who will make us strong and brave. We have a mission to fight for Love and fight for the Good. 

This week, think about your “cause” right now, how you will fight for Good. Consider who reflects the Holy Spirit in your life; who is your support and helper?