Today we will look at another “trademark” of greatness in the kingdom of heaven, which is obedience to God’s words and commandments. In Matthew 5:19 the NLT says, “…But anyone who obeys God’s laws and teaches them will be called great in the kingdom of heaven.” Obedience implies submission, submission not only to do those things commanded, but submission to the one who gave the commands; in this case the one to whom belongs “the kingdom and the power and the glory forever” Matthew 6:13. In a context reminiscent of our previous meditation in which we looked at humility being a mark of greatness in the kingdom (though we did not mention this verse then) James 4:7 KJV says, “Submit yourselves therefore to God… ” How can we better resist the devil than by submitting to God, to His ways, and to His commands? And we should add here what 1 John 5:3 tells us that “His commandments are not burdensome.” He has not given us a set of rules to be boring to us, but in His commandments He shows us His love toward us, and He has ordained that what pleases Him is also for our blessing and benefit! Then Matthew 5:19 goes on to include teaching these commandments as a part of greatness in the kingdom. Always remember that the greatest teachers are those who not only verbalize, but who also teach by example! Words without corresponding action are usually worthless, and may even be very detrimental!
Greatness In The Kingdom: Obedience
-By Rose Hill
To be great in the kingdom we must strive to obey,
The commandments of God, and to walk in His way.
For we are changing our ways and turning about,
With true repentance there is no doubt.
It’s also important that others we teach,
And those in sin with the gospel we reach.
To this kingdom we desire to belong,
So we are turning away from all that is wrong.
We also desire His ways to seek,
And the plan of the evil one to defeat.
2 Corinthians 6:17 NLT says, “This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life has gone; a new life has begun.”
Romans 12:21 NLT “Don’t let evil conquer you, but conquer evil by doing good.”
Unless otherwise noted Scripture quotations are form the New King James Version copyright by Thomas Nelson Co. used by permission.