I find the parallel given by Archbishop Averky absolutely accurate. As a child loves his parents and does everything to please them, so must Christians strive to act according to God’s will. We as the Lord’s children should obey Him not because we are afraid of the punishment in case of breaking the law but rather because we feel His universal love and appreciate it. Jesus Christ Himself said: “He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me” (John 14:21).
It is also significant that Christians are supposed to follow God’s commandments with true joy. Indeed, if we imagine a perfect relationships in a family, if a child pleases his parents, for example, helps with cooking, he is blissfully happy because he sees in his mother’s eyes satisfaction, approval and mutual love. How much more effort should we make to please God and how much more jubilant should we feel if we follow Christ’s words!
