Obedience to Christ.
"Whatsoever He saith unto you, do it."--John ii. 5.
How are you to know what He says to you? Ah, it is so easy to know if we
are really willing to know, and willing to obey when we do know! He has
spoken so plainly to us in His word! In that He tells us, tells even
little children, exactly what to do. It is most wonderful how He has said
everything there for us, told us everything we ought to do. When you read
a chapter or hear one read, listen and watch to see what He saith unto you
in it. There is another way in which He tells us what to do. Do you not
hear a little voice inside that always tells you to do the right thing,
and not to do the wrong thing? That is conscience and He speaks to you by
it.
Another way is by those whom He has set over you. He has told you once for
all to "obey your parents," and to "obey them that have the rule over
you." So, when they tell you to do something, it is the Lord Jesus Himself
that you have to obey in obeying them.
Now "whatsoever He saith unto you, do it!" Yes, "whatsoever," dear little
one, whether easy or hard, do it because He tells you; do it for love of
Him, and it will be a thousand times better and happier to obey your King
than to please yourself. And He Himself will help you to do it; only look
up to Him for grace to obey, and He will give it.
"Whatsoever He saith unto you, _do_ it." Do not just think about doing
it, or talk about doing it, but _do_ it! "Do _it!_" Do the exact thing He
would have you do, not something a little bit different, or something
which you think will be very nearly the same, but do _"it."_
And "do it" at once. It is so true, that "the very first moment is the
easiest for obedience." Every minute that you put off doing the right
thing makes it harder. Do not let your King have to "speak twice" to you.
"Whatsoever He saith unto you, do it" cheerfully, exactly, and instantly.
"Jesus, help me, I am weak;
Let me put my trust in Thee;
Teach me how and what to speak;
Loving Saviour, care for me.
Dear Saviour, hear me,
Hear a little child to-day;
Hear, oh hear me;
Hear me when I pray."