to obey is to disobey
"Whoever believes in the Son has life eternal. Whoever disobeys the Son will not see life, but must endure the wrath of God." —John 3:36
Peter and John told the Sanhedrin: "Better for us to obey God than men!" (Acts 5:29) This meant: "Better for us to teach about Jesus' name than be intimidated by your threats" (see Acts 5:28). Because Peter and John stifled fear instead of the Holy Spirit (see 1 Thes 5:19), they received the Spirit in even greater abundance, for the Spirit is "given to those that obey" the Lord (Acts 5:32).
How can we apply this part of the Bible to our times? Should we say:
- "Better for us to home-school our children than expose them to brainwashing from secular humanism"?
- "Better to be attacked or mocked at work or school than tolerate pornography, profane language, racist remarks, or gossip"?
- "Better to be shunned by the crowd than compromise the truth"?
- "Better for us to be pure than popular"?
If we truly choose the better part (Lk 10:42), we will not sadden the Holy Spirit but receive an unrationed (Jn 3:34), lavish (Ti 3:6) outpouring of the rivers of the Holy Spirit (Jn 7:37ff). The Spirit is given to those who disobey the world in obeying God.
Prayer: Father, may I obey You quickly, cheerfully, and completely. Come, Holy Spirit!
Promise: "The One Whom God has sent speaks the words of God; He does not ration His gift of the Spirit." —Jn 3:34
Praise: Dr. Carlin performed thousands of abortions. He turned to Jesus and repented. Now he saves the lives of pre-born children.
Rescript: †Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, October 31, 2011
The Nihil Obstat ("Permission to Publish") is a declaration that a book or pamphlet is considered to be free of doctrinal or moral error. It is not implied that those who have granted the Nihil Obstat agree with the contents, opinions, or statements expressed.