What is the Secret of Obedience to God?

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1 John 2:3-8 We know that we have come to know him if we keep his commands.4 Whoever says, “I know him,” but does not do what he commands is a liar, and the truth is not in that person. 5 But if anyone obeys his word,love for God is truly made complete in them. This is how we know we are in him: 6 Whoever claims to live in him must live as Jesus did. 7 Dear friends, I am not writing you a new command but an old one, which you have had since the beginning. This old command is the message you have heard. 8 Yet I am writing you a new command; its truth is seen in him and in you, because the darkness is passing and the true light is already shining.
John challenges these believers in their obedience to God's commands.  He is not just laying on a heavy burden on them, but associating "knowing God" with keeping his commands.  It is out of our relationship Christ that our obedience flows.  In John 15:5 Jesus says, "If you abide in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit. Apart from me you can do nothing!" 
Then John says these are not new commands, and they knew them from the beginning.  Meaning God had given the Jews the ten commandments, but now they had power to carry out them out.  Again in John 15 Jesus says, "My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends." In another place Jesus summed the commandments by saying, "Love God with all your heart, soul, strength and mind, and love your neighbor as youself."  
So what is new about this command?  The new commandment's truth is seen in Jesus.  What does this mean?  If we want to understand how to obey God simply look at Jesus' life.  Jesus showed us what God's love looks like.  He did nothing without first consulting or relying on His Father.  Secondly, he always loved people completely and unconditionally.  He loved those who had been cast out of society.  He even loved the Pharisees, though he needed to rebuke them for their pride and hypocrisy.  Though we are not Jesus, His Spirit lives in us and guides us to do if we let Him. 
John concludes by saying, "Whoever claims to live in him must walk as Jesus did." A tall order for sure.  A challenge we can only live up to by abiding in Him and being empowered by His Holy Spirit.  Finally, remember one thing God law is not complicated.  Love others as God loved you.  He had mercy with you.  He was patient with you. He was slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love for you.  Finally, he sent His own Son to die for you and give you eternal life.   All we need to do is know that love and live in that love. It's that simple.  Let's go do it.

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