If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.
John 15:10-11 NIV
Many people often view obedience as a burdensome religious duty. It can feel like a rigid list of ‘dos and don’ts’. This perspective often suggests a restriction on our freedom and happiness. Jesus, however, completely flips this idea. He shows us the true pathway to finding complete joy through obedience. Indeed, He reveals it as the very source of true, lasting happiness.
Jesus presents a powerful three-step connection for us to understand. First, obedience leads directly to remaining in His love. Jesus Himself perfectly obeyed His Father’s commands. Consequently, He remained continually in the Father’s love. Our obedience, therefore, actively demonstrates that we truly value His love. This love is already freely given to us, awaiting our acceptance.
Furthermore, remaining in His love then brings His joy. When we actively dwell in His love through our obedience, we create the perfect environment. This environment allows His joy to reside fully within us. His joy is not fleeting happiness based on circumstances; instead, it offers deep, abiding stability. This stability ultimately comes from intimate fellowship with our Saviour. In fact, it is the very same joy that sustained Jesus through His own trials.
Ultimately, receiving His joy leads to complete joy. Jesus desires our joy to be full, overflowing, and ‘complete’. This completeness is found only when we align our will with His. Conversely, disobedience creates spiritual friction within us. This friction leaks away our peace and joy. However, obedience ensures our heart remains full of His Spirit and His life. Therefore, living out God’s truth directly connects to finding complete joy through obedience.
Living It Out
Consider your own ‘joy meter’ today. Does your joy feel depleted? Perhaps examine your life for any areas of willful disobedience. Where might you be resisting a clear command from the Lord? Remember, Jesus promised His yoke is easy and His burden is light (Matthew 11:30). Choose to keep His commands today, finding complete joy through obedience as He promised.