by Kala Loptien

True Obedience

I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you. Psalm 32:8, English Standard Version 

“Actions speak louder than words.” I’m sure we’ve all heard or referenced this phrase a time or two. I find myself reminding our daughter that along with “sorry” comes action — contrition, change, reconciliation. I also find that any time I’m offering guidance or correction, I need it just as much as she does! Funny how that works.

Obedience is a struggle. It’s a challenge for all of us, as selfish, sinful humans. We hear the Word. We know the Way. But do we always walk in it? Do we listen and obey? Do we take up our crosses and follow? Or do we instead decide that our way is better?

We noticed these sweet ducklings the other day. They are right in sync with their mother, swimming single file in her waves, following her every move, listening to her voice. I learned that this whole process is called imprinting. Within the first few days of life, they memorize the sounds and sight of their mother. They learn what they need to survive. It’s impressed upon their memories.

True obedience is so much more than just listening. There must also be action. The beautiful thing about the Living Word is that it too can become imprinted upon us. In the Psalms, we read about storing up the Word in our heart. God also declares that He will put his laws on our hearts and write them on our minds. When we abide in His Word, listen for His voice and obey His commands, we truly walk in sync with our Maker and His good plans for our lives.

Lord, help us each day to listen and obey. Amen.

Copyright Family of Christ Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado