The Testing of Obedience
In addition to perfecting our faith through obedience, we must allow God to purify and strengthen our faith through trials and tribulations (see James 1:3-4). By faith, we keep our eyes on Jesus in the midst of trials, believing that "the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us" (Romans 8:18). Peter comforted those who faced suffering with these words: "That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honor and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ" (I Peter 1:7). Thankfully, we do not suffer alone for Christ, for "all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution" (II Timothy 3:12).
The ultimate indicator of your faith is whether you love God with all your heart and keep His commandments, with or without adversity, in difficult times and in good times. "And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments" (I John 2:3). Such faith and obedience does not require striving to follow a list of rules or struggling hard in your own efforts. For when God has first place in your heart, obeying His voice will flow naturally out of love for Him.
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