The dictionary definition of obedience as “dutiful or submissive compliance to authority” is enough to send most people running. It screams loss of independence and a threat to our freedom, which is in contradiction to much of what the world advocates today. We are conditioned by society to think negatively that obedience implies an attempt to control us. But what does living in obedience to God mean?
Childlike obedience
The best way to describe obedience to God is to look at it in the context of a parent-child relationship. A good Father or parent wants what is best for their children. They put rules in place for the benefit of the child, whether it is to protect them or teach them. Children who grow up without boundaries often face problems later on in life because they have not learned the principle of discipline.
In the same way, we are God’s children and He is our Father; a Father who loves us and wants what is best for us. His purpose is not to punish us and spoil all our fun. Quite the contrary. His plans are to prosper us and not to harm us.
Living in obedience to God requires a change of mindset
Today’s world says we should all have the freedom to make our own choices, but look at the mess the world is in and you will see the impact of that. God gives us the blueprint to live our lives well and He wants us to adhere to it, for He knows there are consequences to sin and disobedience is a sin. God’s word says there is wrath stored up for those who disobey. (Romans 2:5-11 and Ephesians 5:6)
God works differently from the world. In the world, for instance, we are given deadlines and expectations which result in guilt and stress. But God’s rules offer us freedom from worry and guilt, we have to adapt our minds to realize this. His command for us to obey Him is not so that He can manipulate and control us the way some people in the world do. It is born out of love for us.
God’s word may be general or specific
God gives us commands in the Bible which are applicable to every one of us. At other times He can speak very specifically into an individuals life. Both commands must be obeyed.
God may ask us to do the seemingly impossible, the extraordinary, or something very simple. Trust that no matter what He asks you to do, He will never leave you to do it alone and He will always equip you for the task.
Timing is crucial
When God tells us to do something, He means start now, as soon as is humanly possible. Not when it suits you. Delay is disobedience and has consequences too. Thinking that you will obey at a later stage is still delay, you can’t compromise because God gives us a command at a certain time for a reason.
Obedience requires faith and trust in God. Often it is our own fear and unbelief that leads to procrastination as we spoke about on What does it mean to fear God. Giving up too soon also shows unbelief and a lack of faith in God. Sometimes it takes time to carry out God’s command, but be patient, God may be using this timing as a test of your faith. Carry it out until completion.
At other times, you may not be able to move forward until the job is done. We are often impatient to do something else, but you can’t hurry God. Stay where you are until He says it is time.
Be mindful of your attitude
Surrender to God’s commands with all your heart, not with a grudging bad attitude, even if it is not what you had in mind. Trust that He knows what lies ahead and is guiding you in the right direction. It takes humility to live in obedience to God, don’t let pride stand in the way. When you feel God’s correction, ask for His grace to help you bring about the change in your life; submit in willing, obedient submission.
Sometimes our obedience may attract opposition but rather have that than God’s wrath. When you are faced with a choice between pleasing God or people, there is no contest. God must always come first. It is the one aspect of our lives we can control.
Carrying out ‘works’ to earn approval is not the same as obedience. ‘Works’ are often done in our own strength to ease our guilt. Adding to our burden increases our stress levels but we feel that if we are making a sacrifice then we are in right standing. This is not the case. Instead, listen for God’s voice and obey it. Obedience is better than sacrifice.
Listen for God’s voice
All this advice to obey God is well and good, but how do we hear His voice? God has designed us to be able to hear His voice through our spirit.
“My sheep hear my voice.”
God will lay something on your heart and it doesn’t go away. Some thoughts are fleeting but if it is from God, it persists. It niggles until you address it. If you are unsure what to do, pray and ask God about it ask Him for confirmation and guidance. Prayer is important for it is through His power that we are able to act.
Sometimes we are so comfortable where we are, we convince ourselves that God couldn’t possibly be telling us to move. When God told me to start writing, I was in a good job and earning well, why would He be moving me on? It wasn’t until I was beyond stressed and burnt out that I finally got the message. As with anything, the more you practice, the better you become.
I did hear God back then, but I doubted my ability and failed to trust Him. We can’t pretend we haven’t heard either because God knows we hear, you can’t fool Him! So we can learn the easy way or the hard way. It is up to us.
Blessings as a result of obedience
God says He wants to bless us abundantly and He has treasures in store for us if we obey Him. He says we will be His treasured possession. (Exodus 19:5)
“Blessed are all who fear the Lord, who walk in obedience to him.” (Psalm 128:1)
Here are some of the blessings you can experience when living in obedience to God:
- There is a strong correlation between obedience and being close to God.
- Obedience leads to God’s glory and this pleases Him.
- It brings peace.
- Can lead to miracles as in the widow with the handful of flour and jug of oil in 1 Kings:17.
When I did eventually step out and obey God, I wished I had done it sooner! As I stepped out, things happened and within a few weeks, The Wateringwell was launched. Each step I took, more doors opened, problems I anticipated went smoothly and things happened which I never expected. What’s more, I thrived with less stress in my life.
Consequences of disobedience
“If you are willing and obedient, you will eat the best from the land; but if you resist and rebel, you will be devoured by the sword.” (Isaiah 1:19)
There were dire consequences for poor old Jonah when he tried to run away and not go to Nineveh as God had commanded. Even if we are disobedient once, there may be consequences. Do you remember Moses never got to see the promised land because he disobeyed God, even though he had been obedient for so many years before then? It is scary to be reminded of what will happen if we do not obey God.
God’s word says He will take away our blessings if we do not obey His commands, so even if you think you are done, you need to keep listening for the voice of God, to hear His commands and obey.
Obedience in all areas
Living in obedience to God means surrender in all areas of our lives: heart, will, mind, body, finances, future, and family to name a few. It is more difficult to let go of the things we fear losing the most, yet these are the things that we need to let go of most of all. Imagine what your life would look like if you trusted God to be obedient in all areas of your life?
Activities
Read the whole of Deuteronomy chapter 8 and 28 in the Bible. Both speak of the blessings of obedience and consequences of disobedience.
Prayer Corner
If you need prayer, somebody to chat to or advice, you are welcome to:
- Email me directly kerrys@thewateringwell.com
- Send me a private message on Facebook
- Post your request in the comments section below
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