When it comes to expressing our feelings, few of us are more honest than children. A father was having a struggle to get his 4-year-old son to obey. When asked why he wouldn't do as he was told, the boy said, "Daddy, I just don't want to!"

Many of us as Christians are not that honest. We make excuses for not obeying God's will, when the real reason may be that we just don't want to. For example, when our family lived in West Berlin, I began neglecting Bible reading and prayer. I honestly thought I lacked the time. Later, when we moved to Switzerland, I felt excited, not only because we lived near majestic mountains, but also because of the mountains of time I would have. Yet in spite of more time, I still didn't read and pray regularly. My real problem was that I simply didn't want to.

I found the answer to my dilemma in 1 John 5:3, which states, "This is the love of God, that we keep His commandments." As I repented of my long neglect of Him, He filled my empty heart with His forgiving love. Bible reading and prayer became a delight. My renewed love for God made doing His will more desirable than doing my own will.

Is there something you know is God's will for you? Do you love Him enough to desire it and do it?  — Joanie Yoder