It’s difficult to walk into a movie theater, breathe in the aroma of popcorn, and not make a beeline for the concession stand. When we love something, we are easily drawn to it. There is great joy when I look up and see my grandkids running toward me. They know they are greatly loved.

Jesus said, “If you love me, you will keep my commandments.” If we truly love Jesus, we will be drawn to him and want to obey what he has taught us. We will learn to love his commandments when we realize that his direction is always motivated by his love for us.

You and I don’t need to wonder whether or not we love the Lord. If we love God, we want to please him with our obedience. If our love has dulled, we will find ourselves less concerned about the Lord and what he wants for our lives. Has it been joyful to walk in God’s commands lately, or has it seemed like an unwanted obligation?

The Christians who are quick to obey are usually the people who have developed a strong Father/child relationship with God. God’s children learn to love him as our perfect Father and trust his ways are higher than our own. We want to obey him because we trust his plans for our lives more than our own plans.

God’s priorities are wisdom. We should live with the high priority of maintaining a close, personal relationship with God as our heavenly Father. Our obedience to God’s commands will become a joy rather than an obligation as a result. Do you love the Lord? Your obedience to his commands provides your answer.