obedience
From Genesis to Revelation, the pages are filled with examples of what it means to be obedient to God. Examples of people being obedient to God and examples of people not being obedient to God. Throughout each one of these stories, we see just how important it is to obey God. In Romans, Paul writes a letter explaining that the gospel is God’s power for Salvation. It shows us that the righteousness of God is through faith. Paul explains the need for justification through faith because of sin.
Okay, so what does Paul’s letter have to do with obedience? Obedience flows from faith (Romans 1:5). Obedience in the bible translates to trusting, hearing, and surrendering. That can only come through faith in God. God has given us the free will to choose righteousness and his will or not. Those who do not are filled with unrighteousness. I want to mention that salvation is a free gift, you are not simply justified (saved) by obedience.
There are so many reasons to obey God, but it’s a choice you have to make on your own. A choice that you follow with your whole heart. The life of Jesus Christ serves as the ultimate model of obedience to God. Jesus lived a perfect life here on earth. Obeying God’s every word, even when it was as painful as dying on the cross. He obeyed because he loved God, his father, with his whole heart.
“If you love me, you will keep my commandments.” John 14:15
Obedience is an act of worship to God. To obey God is to surrender our own desires and make the bold choice to obey God, even, and most definitely, when it’s uncomfortable. Our salvation is a free gift from God. There’s nothing that we can do to earn it, He just freely gives it to us. Our obedience should flow through a heart of gratitude for the grace He’s given us.
“Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.” Romans 12:1
Obedience to God demonstrates faith. I don’t know about you but there have been times God has called me to be obedient to Him in a way that makes absolutely no sense. But the greatest thing we can do is to be obedient anyway. Our obedience shows our faith in trust in God, and other people will take note. When our actions steward a heart posture of complete faith in Jesus, it leads other people straight to Jesus. To obey God is to know God, and to know God is to love God.
“But you know that he appeared so that he might take away our sins. And in him is no sin. No one who lives in him keeps on sinning. No one who continues to sin has either seen him or known him.” 1 John 3:5-6
Through obedience, we experience the blessings of the Lord. He is the only one who is perfect, only he can walk in a sinless and perfect obedience. As we allow the holy spirit to transform us within, we grow in holiness. Remaining obedient to God causes spiritual growth, and I can guarantee that there will be moments of uncomfortableness and pain. Without those things, we won’t experience that spiritual growth. Again, to obey God is to know God, and to know God is to love God. Obedience is an act of love.
“Therefore, since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God.” 2 Corinthians 7:1
