Bible Snack #87

​For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome (1 John 5:3).
 
There are so many things I do that I find to be burdensome. Such as housecleaning. Oh, how I hate cleaning house. But I put myself to the task, sometimes violently: “Marty! Get this place cleaned up! Now!” The really odd thing is, once I get started I find I like it a lot. I can see progress in my work. Having the place sparkle is a delight to me. I’m inspired.
 
I’m a little embarrassed to admit this to you, but I don’t like taking showers. However, I know it is required of me, so with gritted teeth I get underneath the water, shudderingly getting myself wet, and then I realize how wonderful it is to be in a shower. I think to myself, “If only I could stand here all day with this lovely heat on my back.”
 

I have a friend who hates grocery shopping, yet in her nearby store she always meets friends, and they have long talks, leaning on their grocery carts. No doubt you can think of things you don’t like doing, yet they bring wonderful rewards. That’s how it is with following God’s commandments: loving Him first and secondly, loving His children.
 
Anytime I have served food in a homeless shelter, I’ve approached the job grudgingly. And then, every time at the end of the evening, I am so in love with these people, I don’t want to go home. Underneath the layers of rags they wear, the accumulated dirt, the shaggy hair, is a precious jewel, a child God created and loves with all His heart.
 
Where does our resistance come from? Certainly not from God! He is nudging us to the task so that we can participate in His love. The clean house, the warm shower, the meeting of friends, the helping hands, all are an expression of God’s love. We simply have an enemy who doesn’t want us to enjoy that love. Just say “NO!” to the devil. Say “YES!” to life.