³ and observe what the Lord your God requires: Walk in obedience to him, and keep his decrees and commands, his laws and regulations… (1 Kings 2:3 CSB)

A good father would never let his child keep something that could harm them. The child may want to keep and play with a deadly snake or scorpion, but as good parents we keep them from such acts. Just as we keep toddlers from touching hot things.

But like children we may want to play with fire, to keep things outside of our faith walk. Even when it causes us separation and diminishes our intimacy with Christ. We foster our desires and disobedience without considering the deeper cost.

Part of this is our sinful nature, the human nature. We must battle each day that unseen, but clearly felt, darker nature. We must relinquish our hold upon our own desires and make them obedient to God.

If we tell the truth we do not like the word obedient. It feels subservient and confining. But in truth the only security and freedom we can find in this life is in obedience. Yes, it requires saying no to some things, but in truth those are things that hold no lasting value.