Augustus H. Strong (1836-1921) was a highly respected pastor and seminary president. Many years after his death, I had the pleasure of meeting and talking with his son. He told me about the time he was baptized by his father in a church in Rochester, New York. Walking home with his father after that mountaintop experience, he had exclaimed, "Father, I'm so glad I was baptized. It made me feel so good." His dignified father, looking down at his son, sternly replied, "Feeling or no feeling, it was your duty."

While that might be regarded as a deflating rebuke, it might also be interpreted as a wise piece of counsel. What is the motive for any spiritual activity—whether praying, worshiping, Bible reading, giving, or witnessing? Is it to have an emotional experience? Is it to make us feel good? Or is it done in keeping with Jesus' words in John 14:15, "If you love Me, keep My commandments"? There's no doubt that obedience brings blessing to us, but our purpose ought to be to please God by carrying out His will.

Today there is a great need to re-emphasize obedience, whether such actions make us feel good or not. Our goal should be to bring joy to the Lord. Love-inspired duty ought to control everything we do.  —Vernon Grounds  — Vernon C. Grounds