At Lakeview Christian Church of Portage Lakes, we believe in the transformative power of obedience and respect, as exemplified by Jesus. In His youth, Jesus demonstrated a profound respect for His earthly parents, setting an example for us all. This lesson in obedience is integral to our mission to “Be the Change as Jesus Has Changed Us.” By following Jesus’ example, we learn the importance of humble submission and the impact it can have on our spiritual journey.
Jesus’ Example of Obedience
Despite His divine knowledge and understanding, Jesus submitted to His earthly parents. In Luke 2:51, we read, “He went down with them and came to Nazareth and was submissive to them.” This act of obedience is remarkable, considering that Jesus, the Son of God, chose to humble Himself and respect His parents’ authority. His submission was not a sign of weakness but a demonstration of His commitment to fulfilling God’s will in every aspect of His life.
The Call to Humble Obedience
Dr. Louis Foster noted the marvel of God becoming human and submitting to earthly parents. This humility is a powerful lesson for us all. Ephesians 6:1-3 instructs, “Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. ‘Honor your father and mother’—which is the first commandment with a promise—’so that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.'” This commandment underscores the importance of obedience and respect within the family unit, reflecting the broader principle of submission to God’s authority.
Living Out Obedience
At Lakeview Christian Church, we encourage everyone, especially young people, to embrace humble obedience and respect for authority. This principle extends beyond family to our relationship with God. By submitting to His will, we align ourselves with His purpose and become agents of change in our communities. Obedience to God involves listening to His voice, following His commands, and trusting in His plan for our lives.
Scriptural Insights
The Bible provides numerous examples of individuals who demonstrated obedience to God. In Philippians 2:5-8, we are reminded of Jesus’ ultimate act of obedience: “In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross!” Jesus’ obedience was rooted in His love for the Father and His desire to fulfill His redemptive mission.
Conclusion: Jesus’ example of obedience is a powerful reminder of the importance of humility and respect. As we strive to “Be the Change as Jesus Has Changed Us,” let us commit to living out this principle in our daily lives, honoring God and those He has placed in authority over us. By following Jesus’ example, we can experience the blessings of obedience and become vessels of His love and grace in the world.
