What You Love, You Will Follow
What you love, you’ll pursue—and ultimately obey.
Jesus said, “If you love me, you will keep my commandments” (John 14:15 ESV).
Why did Jesus constantly talk about obedience and equating obedience with love?
Consider this: Can a child say she loves her parents without respecting them enough to obey them?
Someone might argue that love can be separated from obedience because a child has to learn to go their own way. But a child isn’t equipped to go their own way until they have a foundation of life skills—which are best learned by obeying a loving parent.
For example, when a parent tells a child to “look both ways before crossing a street,” it’s because the parent doesn’t want the child to be hurt or killed. A child may decide not to obey because they want to do life their way, to live “their truth.” After stepping into traffic, the child may learn too late that what the parent taught, the child should have obeyed.
Truth is truth in every generation—there is no “my truth” or “your truth,” there is only truth.
Jesus said, “I am the truth” (John 14:6), so it’s critical and best to obey Him. Why be the child who has to step into traffic—especially when there are eternal consequences and no “do-over,” when it’s too late to say, “I wish I had listened”?
A person can obey out of fear, or grudgingly—but Jesus doesn’t put obedience first; He puts love first. If you love Him, you will obey Him.
What we love, we naturally give ourselves to—and ultimately, we act on.
I’ve been fascinated by my oldest grandson’s passion for his hobbies. Each time, he does a deep dive into whatever interests him. Recently, it was mastering the Rubik’s Cube. He watched videos, listened to others explain tips and tricks, and spent hours practicing to improve his speed and skill. Then he turned around and taught his siblings.
No one has to tell him to do it.
But he doesn’t spend that kind of time or energy on things he doesn’t love.
And that’s the point: love always shapes what we pursue—and what we do.
Jesus is calling us to that kind of childlike focus—not casual interest, but a growing love for who He is and what He says. Love and obey.
Today, fall in love with Jesus—and you’ll find His Word a joy to obey.
This devotional is part 1 of a short series on following Jesus.
