ASSOCIATION OR MEMORIZATION.

Some people can memorize, some even have photogenic memories but when it comes to applying what they have "stored" it becomes useless.  It is because memorization reveals no meaning in itself, where being able to associate words to events, people or experiences provides understanding.  John 14:15, "If you obey my commands..."  Do you really think JESUS was saying, memorize everything I tell you in the Bible and then do it; or could it be that the word "obey" means to follow; FOLLOW JESUS and we will live in the FRUIT OF HIS LOVE!  The prodigal son was no less loved by his father, but he was not LIVING in the reality of that love.  And as long as we try to do what we memorize, we are only trying to appease GOD, and not live in the reality of HIS LOVE.  THERE IS NO SITUATION that JESUS cannot reveal HIS Glory in our lives.  When we FOLLOW JESUS our thoughts, ideals and actions begin to reflect HIS; we are being transformed to be like HIM.  1 Peter 4:1-2, could be summarized like this:  "Since JESUS went through everything we are going through (and more) we should learn to think like HIM.  Then the "sufferings" we are going through are really self-inflicted, it is the separation of us from our sinful ways, and expecting to get our own way.   Only then are we FREE to pursue what GOD wants, instead of being paralyzed with what we want.  What allows us to FOLLOW JESUS; ASSOCIATION OR MEMORIZATION?