FJWL_01:347
         A child who is obedient has faith to come into his father's presence, to enjoy his company, to partake of his love and his words of praise and commendation, to receive from him affection and tokens of love and rewards. An obedient child runs to his father's breast with excitement, for he has confidence that his father is well pleased in him, and that their time together will be pleasant and full of joy. The obedient child does not hide in the shadows and stand afar off, only partaking of the love from a distance because he is ashamed and embarrassed on account of his disobedience.
         The obedient child sits close by his father's feet, where he will hear every word. He sits on his father's lap and wraps his arms around his neck and kisses his cheek, and he receives the pats and praises of his father. The obedient child makes his requests known, because he knows that his father is pleased and eager to grant these requests, even his heart's desires.
         But the disobedient child has not such faith or confidence, and the loss is his. It is not because the father loves him less, but it is because the disobedient child is reluctant to come and sit at the father's feet and sit on his lap, wrap his arms around him and kiss his cheek. His disobedience is what separates him from his father's love. He knows the love exists, but he knows it only from a distance.
         Faith to draw nigh unto the father and to receive his blessing of love is the difference between the obedient son and the disobedient son. One has faith to come to the father. The other does not. One expects the reward of his father because he knows he has pleased him through obedience. The other has not such faith. And so you see the link between obedience, faith, and the manifestation of My love in your life.



Copyright (c) 1998 by The Family