[Note: this is a continuing part of a series reproducing a sermon. An explanation can be found here.]

There is a clear correlation between being a Christian, loving Jesus, and having a desire to obey him. But we can be confused about how obedience fits in the Christian life.

There are Christians for whom obedience defines Christianity. For those, in the implied equation of

“If you love me, you will keep my commandments.” (15)

the second half of that equation is doing the heavy lifting. Keeping commandments becomes the focus. This seems good, but it inevitably leads to either great pride or great sorrow.

That is, one either thinks he is living a life of obedience, and is proud of that, and a bit (or a lot) judgmental of others who aren’t, or he realizes that he is NOT living a life of obedience, and is deeply pained by that.

The proud often will not be able to see their pride. We never think ourselves proud. But if we emphasize obedience, it will arise subtly in a series of several predictable steps.

1) We will see success in obedience in an area where we do not struggle. So, we may have no problem with discipline and self-control, and so we will see ourselves obedient to God in those things reflecting self-control.

2) We will then come to know someone who, say, is overweight or who sleeps late or whatever. These will be evidences in our mind of someone who lacks self-control.

3) We will quietly, privately perhaps, judge that person for his obvious lack of self-control.

4) We will be friendly, but condescending toward him, feeling innately superior. We will perhaps feel pity for the person, if not disdain, though we may outwardly maintain a friendly façade.

5) We will not even consider the possibility that the one we judge as lacking self control may have a medical condition effecting weight gain. Or he may be on medication, leading him to oversleep. And for sure we will ignore the fact that the one we judge as lacking self-control is wildly generous with his income, and we, inclined to fastidious greed.

Pride is an awful companion, but if we weigh-in too heavily on the second half of this equation, it is an easy path to follow and a hard path to escape.