The Consequences

I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior;
1 Timothy 2:1-3 KJV

Obedience. Hmmmm.

As children, we are expected to obey or there are consequences. When we enter school, we are expected to obey the rules that have been set or there are consequences. As adults, we are expected to follow company rules or there are consequences.

We, in turn, expect our children to obey or there will be consequences. We expect our pets to obey or they are kenneled. We expect our citizens to obey or they are judged...depending on where you live, of course, and how good - or crooked - their lawyers are.

So where do we get the idea that we only have to obey the parts of God's instructions that we like? Or that if we don't like the person for which the rule would be applicable, we don't have to do it. I don't like so-and-so, therefore I don't have to pray for him or her. I don't have to help them. They do such-and-such so they deserve whatever is happening, etc, etc, and so on and so forth... when James 2:9-10 clearly states, But if you favor some people over others, you are committing a sin. You are guilty of breaking the law. For the person who keeps all of the laws except one is as guilty as a person who has broken all of God’s laws. 

We are His children. We ARE expected to obey His Word... because there will be consequences.

Prayer:

Father,
         Change our hearts, O God!  Forgive us for our rebellion. Make us very aware of any passive rebellion operating in our lives. Forgive us for thinking that we are beyond Your realm of authority. Please continue to correct us so that we may walk perfectly in the way You have set before us. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen.