“A Believer’s Obligation…!”

“A Believer’s Obligation…!”
Life in this pilgrim land consist of making choices. The choices we make determine the course of actions we take. Course of actions in turn reveal what we have internalized.
However, choices have consequences. A choice can be made within a split second, but the consequences is lived for a long time; or eternity. A choice to gratify the sinful nature has death as consequence, meanwhile a choice to live in the Spirit has life as its consequence.
Through Jesus Christ the law of the Spirit has set us free from the law of sin and death. So we now “have an obligation” to live according to the Spirit (Rom.8:12-13). Our key word is obligation as a response to what God in Christ Jesus has done for us.
Obligation is defined as “an act or course of action to which a person is morally or legally bound; a duty or commitment.” It can also be “a debt of gratitude for a service or favour.”
This means that to live by the Spirit is something that is morally or legally bounding to us. We should of necessity have Christ in us for our bodies to be dead because of sin, but our spirits should be alive because of righteousness.
When faced with any situation where one has to make a decision or to act, it is necessary to ask self: Is the decision or action I’m about to make morally and legally binding? Is this decision or action one that Jesus Christ will be pleased with? If Jesus Christ was physically present by my side would I do what I want to do? What good would come out of my decision or action that is bereft of self-interest?
When we always ask these questions they may help us to pursue justice, righteousnes and truth with passion. They may help us to be compassionate, kind and generous. Above all we would be led to love with the love that God in Christ Jesus has shown us. In this case we would be fulfilling obligation as “a debt of gratitude for a service or favour.” This would be in response to the service rendered. Because Christ Jesus first served us by buying us with his life’s blood. Carrying out our obligation will thus be a thanksgiving.
Prayer: Holy Spirit, keep helping me to fulfil my obligation by living by the Spirit as I put to death the misdeeds of the body. Amen!
Have a blessed day! Peace be with you!