For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome. 1John 5:3

No command of God is burdensome. If it seems so, then something is wrong with our thinking. We can dismiss or avoid considering this reality – to our spiritual harm. If you are sensing that inclination rising up in your mind, beware; for that is exactly what our carnal mind would encourage us to do.

Beware, indeed; for our love of the LORD is at stake here – the first and greatest commandment. Like His Father, the Son encourages, “If you love Me, keep My commandments (John 15:14).” Our obedience should be motivated by love.

Loving the LORD with all our heart, mind, soul and strength is not a burdensome exercise. Quite the opposite, it should be accompanied by joy and thanksgiving.

Out of enmity with God, our carnal mind would have us disobey; or, failing that, obey grudgingly. If we are not careful, our love will turn to burdensome obligation.

Resistance is warranted. We must overcome our carnal mind!

What does it say about our Christian walk if our lives are burdensome? If we are living under His reign – only doing what He commands – should we be so burdened?

• Perhaps we are doing more than He commands – introducing unnecessary burdens.
• Perhaps our love for God is inhibited in some way – the burden we feel is due to disobedience.
• Perhaps we are allowing our carnal mind, in vulnerable moments, to convince us that His commands are burdensome.
• Perhaps we have not come to believe the reality of 1John 5:3.

How do we know which of these is true if we are not investing time to search this out with Him?

• Perhaps we need to repent – think differently – about His commands.
• Perhaps we need a dose of faith to reckon as true – for the renewing of our minds.

Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God. How will we hear a word for faith and renewal if we do not spend time with Him?

Hearing from God is the first step in the process of faith. Without prayer, we are helpless victims and useless warriors. Conversely, the more time we invest in prayer, the greater will be our understanding and faith for the battle. The stronger we become as God’s mighty men, women, and children.

Foundational Words

Through the process of faith, the word of God manifests in the good work of God – the good work we were created to walk in (Ephesians 2:10). In military terms, His command becomes a victory on the battlefield, and the kingdom is advanced. This is most readily seen when God commands us to do something (e.g., become a missionary or talk to that woman in the grocery line).

Less recognized, but equally important, are the words of God that foundationally influence and permeate the process of faith. “His commandments are not burdensome” is one of those words.

When God speaks – in the many ways He speaks – the way we think (consciously and subconsciously) affects our navigation through the process. If our minds are set on “this command is not burdensome”, then the journey becomes a joyful act of love toward the Father and His Son. If we are not sure, our outlook and pursuit of faith are undermined by unbelief.

As we practice applying this foundational word of God, we are transformed into the very same image as the glory of the Lord (2Corinthians 3:18). We practice our faith as Jesus Christ did, and does. We practice the presence of God.

What are some of the other foundational truths that would empower us throughout the process of faith?

If nothing comes quickly to mind, perhaps it is time to start asking Him. He loves talking with His children.

Humbly yours and forever His,

Rob