In the early 1990’s I heard a sermon from Pastor Andy Stanley on the topic “Character”. It was excellent. I bought a tape of the sermon, and listened to it many times. (That tape was lost or given away years ago and I've never found another copy.)
Several of the points in that sermon have stuck with me through the years. I can’t quote this precisely, but here is a loose paraphrase of one of his better points:
“As a pastor I am sometimes called upon to counsel people. When we sit down to discuss a problem, usually before I even know what we’re going to discuss, I ask a very important question:
“You are going to tell me a problem and I am going to try and help you discern what bible says about that issue. Are you committed to obeying the Bible’s instructions once we understand what it tells you to do?”
If the answer to that question is “No” then there's really no point in counseling."
Doesn't that simplify so many things?
All too often the problem of disobedience is the foundation upon which many other resulting problems are built. The problems will defy resolution until the obedience issue is addressed. As believers, when we are asked to advise others, this question should also be foremost for us.
When obedience is sought first, many other problems melt away without further attention.
But Samuel replied:
“Does the Lord delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the voice of the Lord?
To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams."- I Samuel 15:22
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