Two and a half months ago, I attended MCWE’s World Prayer Communication Center’s (WPCC) dedication ceremony.  It was held right on July 4 and part of a three-day conference.  What a great way to celebrate the American Independence!  A great nation founded on the solid Rock - Jesus Christ.  WPCC will be one of the mighty prayer weapons to bring souls into the Kingdom and to bring the King back.

In the Independence night service, the Lord gave me two words: "absolute obedience."

Why 'Absolute Obedience?'

Oh, boy.  Do I have to?  ‘Absolute obedience’ is a dead serious business.  He delivered the specification (in software terms) to me formally and personally.  The spec made me uncomfortable.  One better makes sure it’s indeed His voice one is following.  Then, no matter what, one must be willing to totally give up one’s own desires, wishes, and plans to follow His.  One must have guts to only seek His approval, not man’s approval.  One must stand against all odds and depend only on God by faith – and only God can help.  Honestly, I was not sure if I could ever be “absolutely” obedient.  Even with all God’s grace and mercy plus Holy Spirit’s guidance, I could not guarantee. 

“Why do You require absolute obedience of me?  Please teach me and increase my knowledge and understanding of You.”  I asked. 

Holy Spirit took me to Ephesians 4:11-13: ¹¹It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, ¹²to prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up ¹³until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.

To me, verse 13 was a key answer.  In absolute obedience to the Lord, I receive and practice what He gives me.  This brings growth and unity to the body of Christ, in faith and knowledge of Jesus.  Only then, one matures to be Christ-like.  Can someone truly attain the whole measure of the fullness of Jesus?  God says yes.  (I don’t really understand this.  Christ is Truth - infinite and eternal.  How does God define unity?  What does ‘fullness’ mean?  How does God measure it?  Yet, His words are true and absolute.)  How awesome it is to be able to comprehend the fullness and completeness of Jesus!  Because of denominational differences, division and human ego, many do not believe unity in the body of Christ will become a reality.  But, God has promised and set for us a high purpose tangible and achievable.  All is because He loves us and prepares us for the best and highest (and the toughest, too).  I must love Him back, obey and allow Holy Spirit to bring me into the kind of unity He sees fit.

A fun, children’s song came to mind, 'Submit to God!  Resist the devil and he will flee from you.'  The lyrics come from James 4:7.  I used to sing along with kids while driving few years ago.  It is part of the basic Christianity.  Now, the ‘submit to God’ part sheds a deeper revelation than it did before.  God desires ‘total submission’ of all my thoughts and relationships, not just childish singing or lip service.

Jesus' Obedience

Few weeks later, I read in Philippians 2:5-8 (Amplified), ⁵'Let this same attitude and purpose and [humble] mind be in you which was in Christ Jesus: [Let Him be your example in humility:]  ⁶Who, although being essentially one with God and in the form of God [possessing the fullness of the attributes which make God God], did not think this equality with God was a thing to be eagerly grasped or retained, ⁷But stripped Himself [of all privileges and rightful dignity], so as to assume the guise of a servant (slave), in that He became like men and was born a human being.  ⁸And after He had appeared in human form, He abased and humbled Himself [still further] and carried His obedience to the extreme of death, even the death of the cross!'

What an 'extreme' God we have!  Jesus obeyed the Father all the way to death on the cross.  Because of His obedience, He became the Lamb of God sacrificed for our sins and was resurrected by Father.  Because of His obedience, our sins are forgiven when we repent.  Because of His obedience, we can overcome and have victories.  Because of His obedience, we have eternal life with Father through Christ. 

My Choice

A Christian’s ultimate goal is to become Christ-like.  Now, Father is charging me with (well, the most challenging part of) the how-to: how to become Christ-like, how to reach unity in the body of Christ, and how to enjoy life to the full.  Although I am still nervous about ‘absolute obedience,’ I have no excuse not to pursue.  (May the Lord have mercy on me when I goof up.)  Jesus is my perfect role model.

To God be the glory, honor and praise.