Many of us go through life, doing things we shouldn’t do and not thinking of the consequences until something goes wrong.  Do we think that we aren’t going to get caught along the way or in the end?  Are we rebels that we don’t want someone telling us what to do, that we do just the opposite?  Why is obedience so hard?

If we know the consequences of we don’t obey the law, for example, then why do we break it?  If we know that drinking in excess and getting behind the wheel of a vehicle is dangerous and can kill, then why do some folks choose to do it?  Isn’t following or obeying the rules and staying out of trouble easier? 

My seven year-old daughter is at the age where she is testing boundaries.  She is deciding when she wants to obey.  She learns the consequences when she doesn’t.  She is finding it is much easier to do what she is told, not lie, and have to worry about getting in trouble.  She is learning to make good choices when faced with the consequences of both decisions.   I hope that she is not thinking of how she can get away with something, but how easy life is when she is obedient to her father and me.

I find life is like that.  If we obey traffic laws, we get from one place to another without major delays or getting in crashes in the process.  If we obey rules in the workplace, we may avoid conflicting situations.  If we obey our marriage vows, we grow in our relationship and preserve our family unit.  If we obey the tax laws, we avoid being audited by the IRS.

I must admit, though, that I have a hard time being obedient to what food I put into my mouth.  I try really hard to eat healthy, but there are times where I’m a glutton for junk food and chocolate.  I know that all of that refined sugar isn’t good for me and only turns to fat.  And, if you opened me up when I die, you might find a big chocolate brownie stuck in my heart.  But, in the end, does food satisfy?  Does the sugar that I eat take care of immediate needs or is the satisfaction long-lasting?  As the motto goes, “A moment on the lips, a lifetime on the hips”.  No, the sweet chocolate taste doesn’t last, but the after effects do.

This is much like when we aren’t obedient.  We may get immediate gratification from not obeying, but the consequences or pitfalls of disobedience can be devastating.  As much as it seems against what we may want to do or be told, following the rules seems to be the easiest way to living like we want.  Then, we don't have to worry about getting caught.

Until next time, be your best always,
Darcy