Comments on: His Commands Are Not Burdensome http://www.therebelution.com/blog/2008/06/his-commands-are-not-burdensome/ reb•e•lu•tion (reb’el lu shen) n. a teenage rebellion against the low expectations of an ungodly culture. Tue, 2 Dec 2008 08:41:51 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.0.3 by: Mason W. http://www.therebelution.com/blog/2008/06/his-commands-are-not-burdensome/#comment-271791 Wed, 09 Jul 2008 12:37:42 +0000 http://www.therebelution.com/blog/2008/06/his-commands-are-not-burdensome/#comment-271791 Does anyone else completely love the book like i do. :):-)(-: Does anyone else completely love the book like i do. :) :-) (-:

]]> by: Whitney http://www.therebelution.com/blog/2008/06/his-commands-are-not-burdensome/#comment-266551 Wed, 02 Jul 2008 17:15:57 +0000 http://www.therebelution.com/blog/2008/06/his-commands-are-not-burdensome/#comment-266551 I believe that God's commands are VERY hard when you first become a Christian, because there is that constant battle between who you were and who you want to become. And by attempting this you can be knocked down and even knocked out a few times. But you ALWAYS have Jesus to come to for help. I think that once you have worked hard to live a righteous life, and have just made it a habit following his commands just become easy and everything in your life seems to fall into place!! Sorry if this doesn't really make sense. I'm speaking as a Christian that really just now learned what it means to be loved by Jesus!! It is a wonderful thing! btw: i enjoyed reading the comments left here...it was nice to get everybody's different perspective and opinion. May God's never ending blessings be showered on you all. :) I believe that God’s commands are VERY hard when you first become a Christian, because there is that constant battle between who you were and who you want to become. And by attempting this you can be knocked down and even knocked out a few times. But you ALWAYS have Jesus to come to for help. I think that once you have worked hard to live a righteous life, and have just made it a habit following his commands just become easy and everything in your life seems to fall into place!! Sorry if this doesn’t really make sense. I’m speaking as a Christian that really just now learned what it means to be loved by Jesus!! It is a wonderful thing! btw: i enjoyed reading the comments left here…it was nice to get everybody’s different perspective and opinion. May God’s never ending blessings be showered on you all. :)

]]> by: Lauren http://www.therebelution.com/blog/2008/06/his-commands-are-not-burdensome/#comment-265897 Wed, 02 Jul 2008 00:02:26 +0000 http://www.therebelution.com/blog/2008/06/his-commands-are-not-burdensome/#comment-265897 Thank you guys for your accurate and balanced handling of the Scripture in response to this question. Well done! Thank you guys for your accurate and balanced handling of the Scripture in response to this question. Well done!

]]> by: mary http://www.therebelution.com/blog/2008/06/his-commands-are-not-burdensome/#comment-265894 Tue, 01 Jul 2008 23:51:59 +0000 http://www.therebelution.com/blog/2008/06/his-commands-are-not-burdensome/#comment-265894 I agree with Elizabeth as well..(way at the top) Gods commands are hard...If they weren't they wouldn't be going against are flesh. Also what Kyle said about having the humbleness to admit to God we can't do it on are own, is so true. We can't do it on are own...I mean we can't pray "God help me love my enemies" and then wait for him to do...I mean sure we definetly need his help but we also have to take steps to work towards loving our enemies...We need God's help, we need the humbleness to ask God for help, and for him to work in us..But we also need to take pratical steps in working towards what we asked him to help us with...So in answer to this, God's commands are hards but for believers they shouldn't be...If we have the humbleness to ask God for help and then take pratical steps ourselves...They should be easy... I agree with Elizabeth as well..(way at the top) Gods commands are hard…If they weren’t they wouldn’t be going against are flesh. Also what Kyle said about having the humbleness to admit to God we can’t do it on are own, is so true. We can’t do it on are own…I mean we can’t pray “God help me love my enemies” and then wait for him to do…I mean sure we definetly need his help but we also have to take steps to work towards loving our enemies…We need God’s help, we need the humbleness to ask God for help, and for him to work in us..But we also need to take pratical steps in working towards what we asked him to help us with…So in answer to this, God’s commands are hards but for believers they shouldn’t be…If we have the humbleness to ask God for help and then take pratical steps ourselves…They should be easy…

]]> by: Kyle http://www.therebelution.com/blog/2008/06/his-commands-are-not-burdensome/#comment-265141 Tue, 01 Jul 2008 07:26:47 +0000 http://www.therebelution.com/blog/2008/06/his-commands-are-not-burdensome/#comment-265141 The question about God's commands and the level of dificulty they present is a question that has been brought to my attention rather frequently in the past couple of weeks. Evangelist Bill Rice III, evangelist at the Bill Rice Ranch (a church camp in Murfreesboro, Tennesse), explains quite clearly that following God and what he commands isn't a easy path to take. The question that should be asked of all Christians is where you're looking to obey those commands. Are you looking to God for strength and guidance? Are you realizing that you can't do his commands under your own mortal power? If not, you're probably thinking "I'm okay. I can do this on my own. I don't need anyone's help in my life." Its not a thought that you realize you're having initially, but its there nonetheless. If you think you can live as a strong Christian on your own, you're had. Thinking that you can obey God's commands without His help is something that can be explained very easily. Its something called pride. In James 4:10, it says "Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He shall lift you up." What that verse is saying is that all Christians should know that they are not capable of living a life with God on their own. They need help from Him. If you don't realize that, then you are acting proud, and earlier in James 4 it says that "God resisteth the proud" (James 4:6). We can't have pride in our lives to be good Christians. We must have the humbleness to admit to God that we can't do it on our own. So, God's commands are hard, but if you know that you can't do it on your own, and pray for God's help to give you the strength to follow Him, the commands will be easier to do. With pride in your life you're walking through life on your own. But with a humble heart you are walking with God, and he will never reject you. The question about God’s commands and the level of dificulty they present is a question that has been brought to my attention rather frequently in the past couple of weeks.

Evangelist Bill Rice III, evangelist at the Bill Rice Ranch (a church camp in Murfreesboro, Tennesse), explains quite clearly that following God and what he commands isn’t a easy path to take. The question that should be asked of all Christians is where you’re looking to obey those commands.

Are you looking to God for strength and guidance? Are you realizing that you can’t do his commands under your own mortal power? If not, you’re probably thinking “I’m okay. I can do this on my own. I don’t need anyone’s help in my life.” Its not a thought that you realize you’re having initially, but its there nonetheless. If you think you can live as a strong Christian on your own, you’re had. Thinking that you can obey God’s commands without His help is something that can be explained very easily. Its something called pride.

In James 4:10, it says “Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He shall lift you up.” What that verse is saying is that all Christians should know that they are not capable of living a life with God on their own. They need help from Him. If you don’t realize that, then you are acting proud, and earlier in James 4 it says that “God resisteth the proud” (James 4:6). We can’t have pride in our lives to be good Christians. We must have the humbleness to admit to God that we can’t do it on our own.

So, God’s commands are hard, but if you know that you can’t do it on your own, and pray for God’s help to give you the strength to follow Him, the commands will be easier to do. With pride in your life you’re walking through life on your own. But with a humble heart you are walking with God, and he will never reject you.

]]> by: Lauren Shieldmaiden http://www.therebelution.com/blog/2008/06/his-commands-are-not-burdensome/#comment-264943 Mon, 30 Jun 2008 23:59:39 +0000 http://www.therebelution.com/blog/2008/06/his-commands-are-not-burdensome/#comment-264943 I'm grateful to the commenter who originally asked the question. Do I believe God's commands are burdensome? Used to, I would have said, "no." because I'm not supposed to disagree with the Bible. Inwardly though, I believed and acted on, "Yes, His commands are a burden." Now, I have learned to be more honest about what I really believe is true and ask God to renew my mind until what I most deeply believe lines up with the Truth. I think we unanimously agree that God's commands are not easy. But, are they burdensome? I was thinking of the analogy of a hike or a mountain climb. I love to hike, and I like to be stretched to go farther than I thought possible. I prefer a hike that isn't easy; I thrill to try a harder one. Just because it is hard does not make it burdensome to me. I think I previously viewed God's commands as more of a death march. I didn't believe in my deepest heart that God approved of me, no matter how many commands I kept there was always a failure. I was taught to look more closely at my failures than at God's ability and love. I believed that no matter how hard I tried, or how much faith I had, or how much I wanted to love God, He was going to stretch the hike out until I dropped by the side and then accuse me of failing. That is burdensome. I didn’t realize that I didn’t know God’s love. When I experienced His love, that is when His commands were no longer a burden. It is true that failure happens, but that is no longer my focus. Obedience is absolutely necessary, but I don’t focus on that either. God, Himself, has become my focus and I find that everything else really is added to me. His commands are not burdensome. I’m grateful to the commenter who originally asked the question.

Do I believe God’s commands are burdensome?

Used to, I would have said, “no.” because I’m not supposed to disagree with the Bible. Inwardly though, I believed and acted on, “Yes, His commands are a burden.” Now, I have learned to be more honest about what I really believe is true and ask God to renew my mind until what I most deeply believe lines up with the Truth.

I think we unanimously agree that God’s commands are not easy. But, are they burdensome?

I was thinking of the analogy of a hike or a mountain climb. I love to hike, and I like to be stretched to go farther than I thought possible. I prefer a hike that isn’t easy; I thrill to try a harder one. Just because it is hard does not make it burdensome to me.

I think I previously viewed God’s commands as more of a death march. I didn’t believe in my deepest heart that God approved of me, no matter how many commands I kept there was always a failure. I was taught to look more closely at my failures than at God’s ability and love. I believed that no matter how hard I tried, or how much faith I had, or how much I wanted to love God, He was going to stretch the hike out until I dropped by the side and then accuse me of failing. That is burdensome.

I didn’t realize that I didn’t know God’s love. When I experienced His love, that is when His commands were no longer a burden. It is true that failure happens, but that is no longer my focus. Obedience is absolutely necessary, but I don’t focus on that either. God, Himself, has become my focus and I find that everything else really is added to me. His commands are not burdensome.

]]> by: Bethany http://www.therebelution.com/blog/2008/06/his-commands-are-not-burdensome/#comment-264237 Mon, 30 Jun 2008 05:44:53 +0000 http://www.therebelution.com/blog/2008/06/his-commands-are-not-burdensome/#comment-264237 I agree with Elizabeth (waaaay at the top), who said God's commandments are hard because we're pushing against our flesh. Putting ten percent of your paycheck in the offering plate or telling people at work that you're a Christian aren't hard things in themselves. It's our desire for comfort and esteem that keep us from doing those things--It's our fear that God won't recognize our efforts and will leave us in the cold. Knowing how small our faith really is, though, God assures us throughout the Bible that doing His work will result in an even greater life. In Malachi 3:10, God tells the Israelites to tithe and says, "...And try Me now in this... if I will not open for you the windows of heaven and pour out for you such blessing that there will not be room enough to receive it." In the end, though, the difference among burdensome, hard, and easy things isn't the issue. God loves us, yes. And we'd like to live happy lives that are as smooth as possible. But I think in America, we sometimes get a little too caught up in what our being Christians means for us, rather than what it means for God. Colossians 1:16 says that all things were created by God and for God. It can be hard to reconcile with, but our ultimate mission in life is not to find emotional restoration or to fulfill the American Dream. We're here to glorify God. If it isn't a burden, great. But if it is, we still have to do the same things. I agree with Elizabeth (waaaay at the top), who said God’s commandments are hard because we’re pushing against our flesh. Putting ten percent of your paycheck in the offering plate or telling people at work that you’re a Christian aren’t hard things in themselves. It’s our desire for comfort and esteem that keep us from doing those things–It’s our fear that God won’t recognize our efforts and will leave us in the cold.

Knowing how small our faith really is, though, God assures us throughout the Bible that doing His work will result in an even greater life. In Malachi 3:10, God tells the Israelites to tithe and says, “…And try Me now in this… if I will not open for you the windows of heaven and pour out for you such blessing that there will not be room enough to receive it.”

In the end, though, the difference among burdensome, hard, and easy things isn’t the issue. God loves us, yes. And we’d like to live happy lives that are as smooth as possible. But I think in America, we sometimes get a little too caught up in what our being Christians means for us, rather than what it means for God. Colossians 1:16 says that all things were created by God and for God. It can be hard to reconcile with, but our ultimate mission in life is not to find emotional restoration or to fulfill the American Dream. We’re here to glorify God. If it isn’t a burden, great. But if it is, we still have to do the same things.

]]> by: Morgan http://www.therebelution.com/blog/2008/06/his-commands-are-not-burdensome/#comment-264154 Mon, 30 Jun 2008 02:57:39 +0000 http://www.therebelution.com/blog/2008/06/his-commands-are-not-burdensome/#comment-264154 I believe that His commands can be very hard and seem almost impossible at times but that's why Jesus died to make the impossible possible, through Him and only Him can we uphold His commandments. Our weaknesses are made perfect in His strength. There is such an amazing freedom that follows when you begin to follow His words and grow stronger in Him. Suddenly you find yourself wondering what would you be without them and realize that the only way you can walk victorious and have a powerful life in Him is using His words to your full advantage. What an amazing thing God has blessed us with! Actual commands! we don't have to wonder around aimlessly, we have God's own words! and even when you think there is no possible way to get out of a bad situation and break His commands, it says in scripture that He will always make a way out for you. What an amazing comfort! I am so thankful for all the opportunities I have to worship the God that gave me these commands! THANKS JESUS!:) I believe that His commands can be very hard and seem almost impossible at times but that’s why Jesus died to make the impossible possible, through Him and only Him can we uphold His commandments. Our weaknesses are made perfect in His strength. There is such an amazing freedom that follows when you begin to follow His words and grow stronger in Him. Suddenly you find yourself wondering what would you be without them and realize that the only way you can walk victorious and have a powerful life in Him is using His words to your full advantage. What an amazing thing God has blessed us with! Actual commands! we don’t have to wonder around aimlessly, we have God’s own words! and even when you think there is no possible way to get out of a bad situation and break His commands, it says in scripture that He will always make a way out for you. What an amazing comfort! I am so thankful for all the opportunities I have to worship the God that gave me these commands! THANKS JESUS!:)

]]> by: Erica http://www.therebelution.com/blog/2008/06/his-commands-are-not-burdensome/#comment-263453 Sun, 29 Jun 2008 07:14:56 +0000 http://www.therebelution.com/blog/2008/06/his-commands-are-not-burdensome/#comment-263453 i think that is an awesome response. obeying God and what He commands of us has brought a whole new meaning to me in the last couple weeks. I just got back from a mission trip to Manti, Utah, where about 300 Christians gathered together to witness to the Mormon people. They were there to watch this big Mormon Pageant. What I learned about my own faith and walk with God was so worth it. The Mormon people do good works because they have to in order to be saved for eternity. We do it because we are thankful to God for saving us. When realizing that our "good works" are done out of thankfulness and love for God because he GAVE you the gift of eternal life by just believing in Him, it makes the whole concept of doing those "hard to do" commandments 10x easier and actually enjoyable. We obey because we love. We love because He first loved us. What an AMAZING concept. i think that is an awesome response. obeying God and what He commands of us has brought a whole new meaning to me in the last couple weeks. I just got back from a mission trip to Manti, Utah, where about 300 Christians gathered together to witness to the Mormon people. They were there to watch this big Mormon Pageant. What I learned about my own faith and walk with God was so worth it. The Mormon people do good works because they have to in order to be saved for eternity. We do it because we are thankful to God for saving us. When realizing that our “good works” are done out of thankfulness and love for God because he GAVE you the gift of eternal life by just believing in Him, it makes the whole concept of doing those “hard to do” commandments 10x easier and actually enjoyable. We obey because we love. We love because He first loved us. What an AMAZING concept.

]]> by: Ruth http://www.therebelution.com/blog/2008/06/his-commands-are-not-burdensome/#comment-262940 Sat, 28 Jun 2008 16:40:56 +0000 http://www.therebelution.com/blog/2008/06/his-commands-are-not-burdensome/#comment-262940 Sheba: I want you to know that I am praying for you. My heart broke when I read your original comment. My parents are also divorced and there are many struggles we are going through. I have no contact with my dad and despite the fact that my parents have been divorced for about three years, the pain still cuts very deep. I'm very sorry for what you are having to go through right now. I can relate and I just wanted you to know I'm praying for you. Sheba: I want you to know that I am praying for you. My heart broke when I read your original comment. My parents are also divorced and there are many struggles we are going through. I have no contact with my dad and despite the fact that my parents have been divorced for about three years, the pain still cuts very deep. I’m very sorry for what you are having to go through right now. I can relate and I just wanted you to know I’m praying for you.

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