The Third Gate of Obedience

The third gate is not easy at all.

It is the hardest gate to pass through,

For it requires surrender

And submission,

Words we do not like to hear

But need to hear.

Help us put our way aside, Lord,

And lay our understanding

On the altar of our God.

Going on our own understanding

Makes this path difficult

And dangerous.

For the third gate,

At the heart of the seven gates,

Is obedience.

And obedience is more than compliance.

It must be sincere, honest,

From the heart.

We can comply outwardly

Yet not obey inwardly.

We can check every box

Of every good deed,

While our hearts remain far from you.

We may honor you with our lips

And with our actions,

But our heart may wander.

We want to build you a temple,

We want to go on pilgrimage,

But is there a temple in our hearts?

Are we pilgrims inwardly?

The church may bear your glory,

But is our heart living for your glory?

Are we living for your glory?

Or only complying outwardly,

Without placing our will

On your holy altar?

Amen