A true born again child of God is characterized by obedience to God’s word. Similarly disobedience and rebellion are the marks of an unbeliever. A ‘spirit of disobedience’ energizes an unbeliever to oppose and disobey God’s word, so Paul calls them ‘sons of disobedience.’ Ephesians 2:2. This was the past experience of every child of God; now we ought to be “as obedient children, not conforming yourselves to the former lusts, as in your ignorance.” 1Peter.1:14.
Evidence of conversion
In the verse quoted above, Apostle John speaks of a higher level of obedience: keeping His word. To understand the significance of this verse we have to contrast with the obedience referred in verses 3 and 4. “Now by this we know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments. He who says, "I know Him," and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.” He makes it very clear that keeping the commandments of God is the evidence of our knowledge of Him. By the term ‘commandments’ writer speaks of the explicitly revealed injunctions of God which are well documented. If one has no desire to follow these instructions, John says he is a liar and the truth is not in him.
Further he says obedience to His words proves a higher level of spiritual life; our intimate relation and love for the Lord. 1John 2:5. As we stay close to the Lord, enjoying a loving relationship with Christ, we do not just look out for commandments, but we listen to the heartbeat of Christ to obey and please Him.
Evidence of perfect love
Consider the difference between the obedience of a servant and that of a loving wife. Both of them do obey, but there are vast differences. One obeys out of compulsion, he has no choice or he needs to obey the master to earn a living out of it. But a wife is not someone who obeys under compulsion. She is not a slave or servant at home; as a loving companion her motive is to please her husband. So she wisely gets to know his taste, preference, and expectations. Even though the husband does not command her, yet she lovingly does those things that he loves.
This is exactly the way a true believer obeys Christ. It’s not an obedience based on the terror of Him. It’s not even mechanically fulfilling what is written; but out of love and devotion for Christ, he is committed to do those things that will please the heart of Christ. Ephesians 6:6c
The Lord Jesus also spoke in similar manner, differentiating between the commandments and His words. John 14: 21, 23, 24.
“He who has My commandments and keeps them, it is he who loves Me. And he who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and manifest Myself to him." V. 21
“If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him. He who does not love Me does not keep My words; and the word which you hear is not Mine but the Father’s who sent Me.” Vs. 23, 24.
Above average life
As mentioned earlier, commandments speak of the direct written precepts. Words speak of the will of God not stated explicitly, yet it’s God’s desire for His people. An obedient Christian who meditates upon God’s precious word on a regular basis will find many of such things implied in the total revelation of God in one way or other. A believer who prefers to lead only an average life, not seriously committed to be obedient to all what God says, may not even comprehend such a divine aspiration.
Now, one can argue over these matters. But the argument only shows one thing - His love is not perfected in us, we don’t abide in Him, we don’t want to please His heart. We are only interested in fulfilling certain requirements!
Such higher level of obedience does not come easily. It is the result of spiritual progress - growth. 1John 2: 3, 5. A perfect love, abiding in Him, constant communion, constant study and meditation, etc., make it. As we spend time alone with our Lord, He will reveal His heart’s desire to us. Psalm.25:14:- “The secret of the Lord is with those who fear Him; And He will show them His covenant.” We will be able to feel what He likes the most. Cf. Isaiah 30:21
Perfect Obedience
Arabian horses go through rigorous training in the deserts of the Middle East. The trainers require absolute obedience from the horses, and test them to see if they are completely trained. The final test is almost beyond the endurance of any living thing.
The trainers force the horses to do without water for many days. Then he turns them loose and of course they start running toward the water, but just as they get to the edge, ready to plunge in and drink, the trainer blows his whistle. The horses who have been completely trained and who have learned perfect obedience stop.
They turn around and come pacing back to the trainer. They stand there quivering, wanting water, but they wait in perfect obedience. When the trainer is sure that he has their obedience, he gives them a signal to go back to drink.
Now this may be severe but when you are on the trackless desert of Arabia and your life is entrusted to a horse, you had better have a trained obedient horse. We must accept God's training and obey Him completely.
Source Unknown.
