Finding Joy in God’s Commands
Would you allow me to be nerdy and talk about grammar for a moment? The grammar I want to address has huge implications for your understanding and walk as a follower of Christ.
We use two tenses in language: the indicative and the imperative.
The indicative tense expresses statements of fact.
- The clouds look dark today.
- We attended church on Sunday.
- Asparagus is a weird vegetable.
The imperative tense expresses a command, wish, or instruction.
- Grab an umbrella because it looks like rain.
- Get your shoes on now, so we can get to church!
- Sit down and eat that asparagus!
Scripture is full of both indicative statements and imperative commands. The problem arises when we mix them up. There are many indicative statements that are statements of fact, telling us what God has done for us. Other verses give us facts that are true about us. These indicative statements point to our position in Christ. We don’t need to do anything because these are statements that are already true.
But Scripture is also full of imperative statements that point to those things we are to do as a response to what Christ has done. How we respond in obedience to the imperative commands is dependent on how we understand and embrace the indicative truths. This is important (!!), so perhaps some examples from Colossians 3 will help.
- The indicative statements are in blue, pointing to what God has done and our position in Christ.
- The imperative statements are in red, pointing to a command we are to follow because of the truths in the indicative statements.
So if you have been raised with Christ, seek the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God” (Col. 3:1-3).
Do not lie to one another, since you have put off the old self with its practices and have put on the new self. You are being renewed in knowledge according to the image of your Creator” (vv. 9-10).
Therefore, as God’s chosen ones, holy and dearly loved, put on compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, bearing with one another and forgiving one another if anyone has a grievance against another. Just as the Lord has forgiven you, so you are also to forgive” (vv. 12-13).
Many believers struggle in their walk with Christ. They know what they’re supposed to do, but they must find a way to motivate themselves to do it. That’s unfortunate because the Christian life is not a long litany of dos and don’ts; it’s a life lived in response to what Christ has done.
As you read God’s Word, don’t just focus on the imperatives—the commands of what you’re called to do. Give as much attention to the indicative statements—the wonderful truths of who God is, what Christ has done, and who you are in Him. When you do, the commands change from being burdensome to a delight.
“Your words were found, and I ate them. Your words became a delight to me and the joy of my heart, for I bear your name, Lord God of Armies” (Jer. 15:16).
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