(Clarify; I didn’t mean that I disagreed with Throm’s OP, I disagreed with the ‘professed follower of Christ’ in Throms OP. I think your post and discourse is brilliant on this Throm)
And, I agree with your point awhile back 7150:
“treasures and rewards and even self-preservation are "in the mix", no doubt, but that's true of any relationship, I think…”
Love or obey? Are they the same or complimentary? 7150
If you love you will obey. Complimentary yes, but because we are human, people who indeed love one another still do not always obey or treat others as they should (any parents out there?).
Repentance means to change your mind but it doesn't say precisely what the motivation is. Jesus said "if you love me you will follow my commands" so perhaps the definition of biblical love is different then the meaning in our culture. (7150)
I was referring to the motivation from scripture: all they had was the OT. The prophets preached punishment or reward (the Law). That doesn’t mean the people couldn’t understand that the blessing of Godly living couldn't ‘result’ in love for God, Godly respect for people, and real charity. It’s a maturing process for sure,and some get it right away, and some understand slower. But nonetheless people have been known to be three dimensional enough to see that Godly living is more logical an approach to living than always sinning (partying or whatever).
People see the effects, drunk siblings, wasted lives, ruined relationships, etc, so observation and common sense is as much a motivation to live better as is just love for God (is that salvation?). And many see the sense in living a ‘Godly’ life without threat or even reward. Sense and logic sometimes appeals to us and I can't say it is necessarily a reward in the sense of gaining anything other than peace of mind. I think God gave us a sense of want for peace and unity, and I think that is why we find scripture speaking of peacemakers, forgiveness, and wisdom.
Of course some do (and some don’t) have enough sense to realize they cannot do the good they want to do, and want to control their actions, and these people are thankful for Gods Law (David says; 'How I love your Law'). Yet in Christ - He - is our Law, and He is the One we desire to control our actions.
(Some obey God, because He appeals to thier understanding. Can I love God because to do so, makes sense?)