The Obedience of a Child

I have learned a great deal since becoming a mom 3½ years ago. Much of what I have learned helps me understand the relationship I have with my Heavenly Father that much better. When my children do something that makes me proud, hurts me or astounds me, I can better relate to how God feels when I make him proud, happy or sad.

On Christmas Eve 2009, I received a wonderful gift from my daughter. She and her 3½-year-old cousin both received a trunk full of princess dress-up clothes as gifts. Throughout the day, they were changing in and out of the clothes and entering the world of make-believe.

As the evening got late and we would soon be heading home, I told my daughter that she would not be allowed to dress up anymore. Her cousin was still playing at the time. My daughter was very displeased with this directive and she fussed and whined for quite some time.

I was just walking into the room where she and her cousin were (her cousin changing into yet another outfit) when I overheard her cousin tell her to put on more dress up clothes. I was overwhelmed when my daughter replied that she wasn’t allowed; because I had told her she could not. My daughter did not know I was there and was displaying obedience that was mature beyond her years. Most pre-schoolers would have readily chosen not only what they wanted for themselves but also what one of their peers was suggesting they do.

As I held my daughter tight and told her how proud I was of her, I couldn’t help but feel how God must feel each time I am obedient, even when I want something for myself. And because of my daughter’s act of obedience I rewarded her with the opportunity to put on one more outfit.

I began to wonder how often my Father is just waiting for my absolute obedience before he can reward me with what I always wanted in the first place. How many times do I miss out on great adventures and opportunities because I am too selfish and choose what I want over what He tells me to do.

Just as I don’t make up arbitrary and unmeaningful rules and directives, God wouldn’t do that either. Just as I do for my own children, He only wants what is ultimately best for me.

I hope the next time I am faced with the opportunity of obedience, I will remember the way I felt at the moment I dropped in on the conversation of two 3-year-olds. If I could make my Father that happy regularly then I would be living on purpose for HIS purpose.

1 Peter 1:14 – As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance.