overdue
I recently found myself returning overdue books to our public library—again. Before the library eliminated fees for overdue selections, I rarely returned anything late. In recent years, however, since they lifted the truly insignificant fees associated with overdue returns, I have seemed to lose all motivation to get those books back on time! I admit this shamefully, as I am a rule-follower at heart, but when those fees disappeared, some mysterious driving force to obey that particular rule did too. “Overdue” no longer held any weight in my mind.
Trapped in the maze of my own mind, I began to muse on the nature of obedience to rules, laws and standards. What is it that makes humans adhere to some but ignore others? What is our motivation to obey any particular law? When even a self-proclaimed rule-follower like myself can fall short in following all the tenets of a society, where does that leave us?
As I lost myself on winding rabbit trails and along mind-bending tangents, I came to the realization that the truest motivation I possess to walk in any sort of obedience is that which comes from the Lord. He gives me a desire to do what is right and just. He convicts my heart that I should make an effort to return library books on time whether or not there is a monetary slap-on-the-wrist. When the trivial fees were lifted, I discovered that my personal motivation to follow the book return rule was rooted in human standards. What difference does it really make, I mean, seriously?
God has been working on my heart through Psalm 103 in recent days, and I have been reminded that obedience naturally flows from a heart that truly understands the nature of our magnificent God. He is for us, and when we are reminded of that great truth, our lives are indelibly changed.
1Bless the Lord, O my soul,
and all that is within me,
bless his holy name!
2 Bless the Lord, O my soul,
and forget not all his benefits,
3 who forgives all your iniquity,
who heals all your diseases,
4 who redeems your life from the pit,
who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy,
5 who satisfies you with good
so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's.
When I remember God’s character, I am driven to praise Him like David did with these words. Meditating on this ancient song reminds me of the Lord’s astounding grace in my life—healing all, forgiving all, redeeming my life, bestowing love, mercy and goodness upon me so that I am satisfied and renewed. He offers these gifts freely to all his children, to all who call on his name (Jn. 1:12). Obedience to God’s ways is not always easy, but the fruit is readily apparent as we allow the Holy Spirit to do His work in us. Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control abound, and “against such things there is no law” (Gal. 5:22).
6 The Lord works righteousness
and justice for all who are oppressed.
7 He made known his ways to Moses,
his acts to the people of Israel.
8 The Lord is merciful and gracious,
slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.
9 He will not always chide,
nor will he keep his anger forever.
10 He does not deal with us according to our sins,
nor repay us according to our iniquities.
11 For as high as the heavens are above the earth,
so great is his steadfast love toward those who fear him;
12 as far as the east is from the west,
so far does he remove our transgressions from us.
13 As a father shows compassion to his children,
so the Lord shows compassion to those who fear him.
14 For he knows our frame;
he remembers that we are dust.
When I see the world reeling in agony from every angle, both on the home front and in distant war-torn lands, and I hear the cries of people demanding justice, I am reminded that God alone is the perfect judge and He will establish righteousness for all who are oppressed. It might not be in the time frame I desire, but as His follower, I am called to turn my face to Him who will bring perfection to this broken world, who will wipe away every tear from our eyes and abolish death forever (Rev. 21:4). I am called to trust. John writes repeatedly in Revelation that we are called to patiently endure (Rev. 1:9, 2:2-3, 2:19, 3:10, 13:10, 14:12).
As I feebly attempt to patiently endure, I long for my life to reflect His glory. He is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. He does not stay angry, and He shows me relentless forgiveness when I fall short. Despite my imperfections, I desire to manifest His attributes and treat those around me as the Lord has dealt with me. May I be filled with His compassion and overflow with His love.
My daughter and I were recently driving down a narrow city road when a man exiting a parking lot crossed the opposite flow of traffic while making a left turn directly into my moving vehicle. Praise God no one was injured; this was truly just a blip in the grand scheme of my messy life. In the moment, however, I was fuming at the pure idiocy of the other driver and the fact that he had single-handedly ruined my morning.
As we pulled down an alley to assess the damage and exchange information, I opened my door to find that my truck was no longer drivable. My mind began spinning as I internally assessed all that needed to happen—phone calls to be made, actions to be taken, and information to be gathered. I took a deep breath and approached the other driver. What I encountered stopped me in my tracks.
Standing before me was a young, heavy-set man who was sweating profusely, though the early summer morning was unseasonably cool. With a strong, high-pitched lisp, he asked me if I was okay. As he spoke, I noticed the disheveled appearance of his clothes, his inch long toenails, greasy hair and unshaven face, as well as the nervous tremor in his hands. I instantly knew he was not okay.
Something changed in my heart as I was reminded of God’s love for me. I know this awareness came from the Spirit, prompting me to show kindness when I wanted to lash out in anger. Here was a person who by all appearances was utterly falling apart, and yet God was reminding me that He loves this man and that I am called to treat those that I perceive to be unlovable as the image bearers that they are. By the power of the Holy Spirit alone, I was able to show him the kindness, compassion and forgiveness of the Lord instead of the rage and annoyance I initially felt radiating from my heart. David’s words came to mind, “The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love” (v. 8).
Without the Holy Spirit, I do not have the motivation to treat someone such as this man with undeserved kindness and compassion. However, because I know the great compassion God has had on me, I am willingly driven to beautiful obedience. Though I may continue to struggle in making sure our library books are not overdue, I fervently pray that my mercy, grace, compassion and love toward others is never overdue. If I fall short, I know my gracious Lord will forgive me, but I so desperately want to make the most of my short time on this earth and honor Him with every moment of my life.
My own days are fleeting, but a breath, yet in Jesus I find eternity. Bless the Lord, O my soul.
15 As for man, his days are like grass;
he flourishes like a flower of the field;
16 for the wind passes over it, and it is gone,
and its place knows it no more.
17 But the steadfast love of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear him,
and his righteousness to children's children,
18 to those who keep his covenant
and remember to do his commandments.
19 The Lord has established his throne in the heavens,
and his kingdom rules over all.
20 Bless the Lord, O you his angels,
you mighty ones who do his word,
obeying the voice of his word!
21 Bless the Lord, all his hosts,
his ministers, who do his will!
22 Bless the Lord, all his works,
in all places of his dominion.
Bless the Lord, O my soul!