A common question (or excuse)

The question many people ask: After we're saved and we're already forgiven, and nothing we do can separate us from God, why can't we do whatever we want? Why should we obey God? Well, I mulled over it and collected three simple reasons.

1) It's the 'fruit' of our salvation, the proof we're really growing. When we asked God to save us, it was because we needed a fix to sin, and we couldn't fix it ourselves. If we don't even make an effort to improve now that Jesus has taken care of the impossible part, how else do we show that we really cared in the first place?

2) Our actions are what an outsider will see first. Unless you go around telling everyone that you pray all the time (which depending on the way you say it could make a very bad impression), people are more likely to see you acting like Jesus before they get close enough to see that you pray, too.

3) Obeying God makes our lives richer. Just read the Psalms, you'll see how much David bragged on God's laws! They were so good and satisfying that David wrote about them all the time.

Psalm 19: 7-11 (NIV)
The law of the LORD is perfect,
refreshing the soul.
The statutes of the LORD are trustworthy,
making wise the simple.
The precepts of the LORD are right,
giving joy to the heart.
The commands of the LORD are radiant,
giving light to the eyes.
The fear of the LORD is pure,
enduring forever.
The decrees of the LORD are firm,
and all of them are righteous.
They are more precious than gold,
than much pure gold;
they are sweeter than honey,
than honey from the honeycomb.
By them your servant is warned;
in keeping them there is great reward.