This week in my New Testament class we were studying Romans 1-8. These are chapters that are relatively heavy in doctrine, and the longest epistle Paul wrote to any given people. There was so much cram-packed in a short amount of chapters, making it really difficult to pick what to blog about this week. However, seeing that a big focus in this blog is what is taught about obedience, I have decided to focus on Romans 5:19, which states:
“For as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous.”
Now, this is a powerful statement with a lot of truth, which could also be taken in a lot of directions. My hope is that you ponder the power behind this passage personally, and that you find other ways in which it applies to you. The Holy Spirit is the real teacher of truth, and I am writing to share just a few of my thoughts and things He has taught me.
For me personally, one of the things I pondered about were instances of how disobedience or obedience have affected me directly and/or indirectly, as well as times where my disobedience and obedience has affected another. The list is endless, and there are many examples that could be used. I’m sure you are thinking of many ways (no matter how great or small) right now.
A particular example of obedience that has made a huge impact on my life, for example, took place before I was ever born, and this is a very condensed version:
My mother was not raised a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (commonly known as the LDS or Mormon Church), nor did she practice any particular Christian faith devoutly. She was raised in humble circumstances, and had a belief in God, but many unanswered questions. While in high school she met some girls who were members of the LDS Church. She became good friends with them, and they were a wonderful example to her.
My mom was really impressed by their obedience and faithfulness, especially since they were in their teenage years when most go through bouts of disobedience and dishonesty. They had a light about them, and every time she was in their home, she felt at home. She came to recognize that they, as well as all of their family members, had something special about them. There was something different, and she wanted to know what it was. She wanted to have whatever it was.
She came to recognize that it was the Spirit which dwelt with them, who was present because of their devotion to the faith. Because they were obedient to the commandments of the Lord, they were worthy of His Spirit. My mother’s friends obedience blessed her , and she had a desire to gain the same peace, happiness, and spirit of light that they encompassed. Their examples of obedience and the blessings it brings ultimately lead my mother to “be made righteous” as well.
She was converted to the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and in remaining obedient and faithful has additionally blessed the lives of me, my seven siblings, and many others. If it were not for the obedience and faith of her friends, she probably would not be who she now is, and if it were not for her obedience and faith, I would not be who I am now either (side note: nor would I be here, by the way. She ended up marrying the older brother of these sisters/friends!)
So, the question is: Will I be an example of obedience or disobedience? Romans 5:19 states that all it take is ONE person to lead people toward sin or toward righteousness. I pray to do the latter. I pray that I leave a positive impact upon all that I meet, and that I am never the cause of leading someone astray to a path of sin, but rather to a path of righteousness toward our Savior Jesus Christ, and Loving Father in Heaven.
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