Unfortunately, compromise has become commonplace & a willingness to go along just to get along has become the mindset of most religious bodies of our day. The Bible plainly teaches we are to live peaceable with all men (Romans 12:18). Christians are not to seek division, strife, & confrontation. Christians are to follow Christ & not men (Matthew 15:7-9). The world may perceive Christians as being legalistic, narrow minded, exclusive and alienating others while striving to be obedient.
Obedience is necessary. John 14:15 says If you love Me, keep My commandments. The direction is perfectly balanced. To demonstrate love, an action of love is required. To love Christ, we must follow, submit, and move at His direction!
Obedience means to follow, not substitute. Luke 6:46 says But why do you call Me Lord, Lord, and not do the things which I say? We desire to be called Christians, we want to be aligned with the church; we should be willing to do what He says.
Disobedience has consequences. Genesis 19:17 says So it came to pass, when they had brought them outside, that he said, Escape for your life! Do not look behind you nor stay anywhere in the plain. Escape to the mountains, lest you be destroyed. We are familiar with what happens in v. 26 when Lot’s wife disobeyed (she looked back), she understood what happens when you disobey the Almighty!
Loving God and our neighbor is a must (Matthew 22:36-40). Loving the world & following man is prohibited (Proverbs 14:12). Following Jesus makes all the difference on Earth and in eternity!
