Why do you call me, "Lord, Lord," but do not do what I command? I will show you what someone is like who comes to me, listens to my words, and acts on them. (Luke 6:46-47)

In his great Sermon on the Plain, Jesus used a parable to illustrate the importance of obedience in the lives of his followers. He likened those who hear his teaching and act upon it as one who digs deep into the ground when building a house and lays the foundation on rock. On the other hand, one who hears the truth and ignores it builds his house on the ground with no foundation. Jesus stressed that a house built on rock withstands flooding and storms, but not so the house without foundation.

Have you ever thought, "I would obey God if I knew what he wanted?" In truth, we know well what our Creator wants. God's law is made clear in the scriptures and is also written in our hearts. First, we are instructed to love the Lord entirely by responding with gratitude and without reservation to his mercy, generosity, his discipline and urgings, and to all other gifts he extends to his children.

Secondly, we are instructed to treat other people with compassion and generosity. Opportunities abound; we don't need to search. A woman with limited means who no longer drives would enjoy a simple outing at Wendy's. The father who holds down two jobs would be encouraged to hear that you admire him. A sister or friend who struggles with illness would find comfort in your phone call, visit, or a specific offer of help.

A life of obedience to God's commands is not built with one grand act of self-sacrifice. Instead, it is a laying one upon another of little bricks of duties done. A life of obedience withstands the crosswinds. The most difficult part of building such a life is the decision to start right here, right now.