Just do it

My son has entered that phase...the one all parents eagerly await., It's the one that is spearheaded by a curiosity of the world as well as a realization of an independent will; and is fueled by one three letter word...why?  With Dom it is really, 'But, but why?'

Dom, you need to pick up your toys.
But, but why?

Dom, don't hit the dog with your toys.
But, but why?

Dom, you need to put your big boy pants on before you leave the bathroom.
But why Dad?

And its only a matter of time until his curious independence wears me out and I say, 'Just do it.'  A lecture on the etiquette of nakedness while friends are over just seems out of place.

As I read of Christ's temptation this morning and the subsequent devotional from Ashes to Fire, I was held captive by Christ's unwavering full on obedience to the Father.  There were no 'why's', no 'what will happen'.  Just obedience.   His obedience came from his complete oneness and trust in the Father. Of course, Christ knew his journey and ours, well, ours to a degree remains a mystery...but there are some things we can know...

Obedience means we give up our independence, our wills, our desire to have it my way, right away. Obedience means we probably will have to give up our rights. Like Peter, we will be called to be led by someone else...someone greater.

Obedience means we gain intimacy.  None could argue that the intimacy Jesus experienced with the Father is unrivaled.  A quick look at Christ's life reveals how in-step Jesus was with the Father.  This is a 'reward', a result of obedience.

When I tell Dom, 'Just do it'.  I've reached my end, what I'm demanding from Dom, is not just obedience, by compliance. God asks us for our trust, our faith, which allows us to follow the way of Jesus because we know God's got this.  Because our faith and trust in God is fueled by the love of Christ.  god is not one who will say 'Just do it', that's not his nature, but I pray to be like the apostle Paul who wrote, 'the love of Christ compels us...so that they who live might no longer life for themselves, but for Him who died and rose again on their behalf.' (2.Cor 5.14-15)  I pray to have the obedience of Jesus.