“‘Obey what I tell you. Do exactly what I command you. Your obedience will close the deal. You’ll be mine and I’ll be yours.’” Jeremiah 11:4 (MSG)

In the customer service business, I often train people the value of an ownership statement. It’s that statement you make right after a request is made that not only tells the customer that you are going to take responsibility to resolve his request, but also reveals your positive attitude about doing it.

Customer: “I have a question about my monthly statement.”
Representative: “I’d be happy to help you with your statement. What’s your question?”

When my daughter Madison was very young, perhaps four or five years old, there was one day when I asked her to do something for me. I don’t even recall what it was. It was simply a small task that I needed her to perform for me at that moment. While I don’t recall the task, I do recall her attitude. She beamed up at me and said, “Sure, dad. I’d love to do that for you!” I was blown away. Her enthusiastic obedience in that moment endeared dad like you couldn’t believe. I’ve never forgotten it.

Somewhere along the way it seems to me that obedience has gotten a bad rap. To obey and to serve has somehow become synonymous with being a a mindless lemming. Yet, choosing to be obedient, and to do so with a positive attitude, is a sweet thing.

Today, I’m happy to do what I’m asked. I want to serve God, my loved ones, and others – and serve well.