Genni the wonder dog has been teaching me a few things about obedience. Not intentionally, because while she is not badly behaved, she is not particularly obedient either. Let me give you an example:

Yesterday, Genni was in the back yard, barking at the neighbors’ cat. Not wanting her to disturb the neighbors, I went to the back door and called her name. She turned and came back… halfway to the door, then she ran back and barked some more.

I called again, and she ran up the hill, squatted for a pee before heading for the door. This time, she got about two thirds of the way before running back and barking.

I called her a third time, a little more sternly. Genni put her tail between her legs and came half way. Then she got an idea, and ran to get her Frisbee. She dropped the Frisbee a few feet in front of me, wagged her tail and said, with her body language and a bark, “Let’s play boss”.

Genni obviously thought that if she can get me to play Frisbee, she would not have to come inside. I called once more, a little less patiently. Finally, Genni finally walked in the door and ran to the kitchen cabinet and waited for her cookie, the reward she gets when she is obedient.

It was obvious through the entire exercise that Genni knew she wasn’t supposed to be barking. Genni knew that, eventually, she would have to break down and obey. Yet she was determined to obey only on her terms and in her timing.

I knew that Genni will eventually obey so I kept after her. Genni knew that she had to obey, but waited until the last possible moment. She extended her freedom until just before I lost my patience.

I wondered, how many times have I done that with God? Heard His call, started to come and then ran back to something I knew I shouldn’t be doing. Or, heard His call, and done something else to placate or distract Him. Then finally obey and go look for my reward.

We know that we’re called to be obedient, but we rebel and fight it. We know it would be easier in the long run to just give in and do it His way, but we steadfastly refuse. It has to be on our terms and in our timing.

It is a blessing that we serve a God who is patient and merciful. Without His grace and mercy, I’d be in BIG trouble. The theme of obedience to God runs from Genesis to Revelation. I think this verse summarizes it well…

John 14:15 NIV If you love me, you will obey what I command.

So tell me, are you willingly following the path of obedience, or are you like Genni and testing the patience of the master?

Until next time, may you reflect on His truth, wisdom, love and mercy. May you choose the faith of willing obedience.

Kevin Corbin gleanings@gleaningsfromtheword.com