An Uncaged Bird: Finding Freedom and Joy to ObeyExemplo

Wings of Joy

My favorite time of the day is the morning hour when the birds are the most cheerful. I assume it’s because the worms are in abundance, and the dew is still fresh on the ground. Sometimes, when I have enough time, I like to sip my coffee on the porch and watch each winged friend swoop from branch to branch with such joyful dispositions. I particularly love cardinals because their bright red feathers distinguish them from other birds, making them easy to spot.

Birdwatching or “birding” is a popular hobby; whereas, people who study birds as a profession are called ornithologists. I’m no ornithologist by any means, but I am human, and all humans enjoy watching something that exudes joy. We love to see children playing, dogs fetching, choirs singing, and birds fluttering about. Observing their joy brings us joy and always leaves an impression.

So, it is when we live obedient lives unto the Lord. Our obedience produces great joy within us, and that joy becomes evident to those who God has placed within our sphere of influence. There are people all around us, watching us. They may never make their presence known, but they are taking notice of our distinctive obedience. 

Ruth, for example, had no idea that Boaz was watching her. She was simply living in obedience by loving Naomi and honoring God. Her character made her attractive, and her reputation of kindness, in the midst of her suffering, caused Boaz to take intricate notice of her.

It can be the same for us in our everyday lives. People are watching us. Your coworkers hear that you are a Christian, but it’s how they see you treat others that convince them. Your family may know that you follow Christ, but it’s your lifestyle that they are examining. So, as we live out our days and carry on with our plans, goals and futures, know that obedience to God’s will, as the scriptures make clear to us, will fill us with joy and draw others to God. Why? Because obedience is an act of love and love produces great joy!

Is there someone in your life that needs to see the joy of obedience in your life? This doesn’t mean that obedience feels good all the time, but it does mean that when we obey, God’s love fills us and joy will overflow out of us for all to see!