Important

<<vital, crucial>>

It is necessary to hear clearly from God, then do what He has said; hearing without the corresponding responding in obedience is of no use (Mt 7:24-27). God’s blessing or curse results from how we respond to His instructions (Lev 26:14-33; Deut 28:1-5,15-20; Mal 2:1,2). Most of our guidance comes from the Bible, thus it is imperative to read and study it, being sensitive to the Holy Spirit. Specific guidance for individual matters comes by prayer and being open to His voice as confirmed by Bible principles. Be like Joshua who said, “What message does my Lord have for His servant” (Josh 5:14). As we are God’s servants, “Do whatever He tells you” (Jn 2:5). Acting ‘in the flesh’ without having clear instructions is futile and foolish.

While we can be involved in many seeming good things, do not neglect the most important, which is spending time with Jesus (Lk 10:38-42). Our ultimate commitment should be to love God with all our heart, soul and strength (Mk 12:30). It’s not our ability, rather our availability to be used by

Hearing and obeying (responding correctly) are crucial to loving God

God, that is the priority – putting God’s Kingdom ahead of our own agenda (Mt 6:33). Don’t let the urgent demands of life, crowd out the important times of spiritual input into your life and fellowship with the Lord; connecting to our life source is paramount (Jn 15:4,5).

After our relationship with God, our marriage partner and family should be more important than our work and ministry, so we require wisdom and balance to keep each responsibility in the true perspective. It is important that each Christian functions and fulfills their calling in the body of Christ, contributing to the benefit of the whole (1 Cor 12:12-27). To live a God-honouring life we must walk with integrity in every facet of life, paying attention to justice, mercy and faithfulness yet also not forgetting the other responsibilities (Mt 23:23).