I am an obedient man. I was not wealthy, or powerful, or successful in the eyes of the world, but I was obedient. I believe that with God, success is obedience. From Noah and his ark, to Moses and Pharoah, to Joshua parting the Jordan river, to the prophets and their message, to our Son's decision to go to the cross for us, with God obedience is everything.

If I had not been obedient to God, I would have missed our Messiah. God would surely have raised up another to be his father on earth, but I would have missed him. I have learned that only when we obey God do we truly know him. You see, there is real joy in faithfulness, peace in obedience. And knowing God personally is worth whatever it costs us.

So I must ask you today, are you obedient to God?

Has God spoken to you, but you've not yet obeyed him in the matter? Do you know someone who needs to know Jesus, but you've not yet told them? Is there sin which you've not confessed? Do you owe our God some gift of your finances, abilities, or time?

Is Jesus real for you in this, the season of his birth? Or is he just a figure of history and part of the season? How long since you truly heard from him? Felt his presence? Walked with him? Knew him? Only when we obey him do we know him.

I've been called the "forgotten man of Christmas," and that's fine with me. Christmas is not about me--it's about our son. But please don't forget this about me--I was obedient.

Is this what others will remember about you?

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