Saturday, January 24, 2026

Alex Buabeng-Korsah

TOPIC: THE PATHWAY OF LASTING CHANGE

THEME SCRIPTURE: “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.” — John 14:15

PREPARATORY QUESTIONS:

1. Why is Jesus tying love to obedience to His commandments?

Hope initiates turnaround, but obedience sustains it. In the Christian life, transformation is never detached from submission. The new year may awaken desire for change, yet Scripture reminds us that genuine renewal flows from a will yielded to God. Obedience is not the price of God’s love; it is the proof that His love is taking root.

Gregory the Great wrote, “The proof of love is in the works. Where love exists, it works great things; but when it ceases to act, it ceases to exist.” 

Obedience is love expressed in action. It is not mere rule-keeping, but a disciplined attentiveness to God’s voice in daily decisions. Turnaround deepens when obedience becomes habitual rather than occasional.

The early Church understood obedience as freedom rightly ordered. Basil the Great observed, “We are not free to do what we like, but what we ought.” This challenges the modern assumption that freedom lies in self-direction. Scripture teaches the opposite: disordered desires enslave, but obedience to God restores clarity and purpose.

A year lived without obedience will drift; a year governed by it will bear fruit.

Jesus Himself modeled this path. “I seek not My own will but the will of Him who sent Me” (John 5:30). If the Son embraced obedience even unto the cross, then obedience is not beneath us— it is formative. Athanasius reminds us that Christ’s obedience heals our disobedience, making our faith active rather than theoretical.

Obedience also demands patience. John Cassian warned against impulsive spirituality, saying, “Perfection is not reached suddenly.”  Faithful obedience is often hidden, repetitive, and slow. Yet God works precisely through these unnoticed acts.

The unseen choices—integrity when compromised, prayer when distracted, truth when silence is easier—are where lasting turnaround is forged.

Beloved, do not underestimate small obedience. They train the soul to trust God’s wisdom over personal instinct. Over time, obedience reshapes desires themselves, aligning the heart with God’s will. This year, choose to walk in God's obedience.

Remain blessed.

FURTHER READING –  John 14

Call to Salvation: Today is your day if you have not received salvation by turning over your life to Jesus Christ. Click here to do so.

QUESTIONS TO HELP  YOU MEDITATE ON THE WORD:

1. Where has delayed obedience limited your spiritual growth?

2. What specific command of Christ is the Spirit highlighting for you today?

3. How can you cultivate consistency rather than intensity in obedience this year?

PRAYER

Holy God, You called me not only to believe but to follow. I  receive this day, a willing heart and a disciplined spirit. Where obedience feels costly, kindly remind me that Your commands lead to life. Shape my choices this year so they reflect trust in Your wisdom. My love for You throughout the year will be evident in my faithful obedience.  In Jesus’  precious name, Amen.

One-Year Bible Reading Plan

Genesis 38-39; Psalm 24