Obedience, which I will describe as listening to or following a higher authority, is an essential part of the Christian faith; a way of worshipping God and growing in our faith.
The first thing that comes to mind when I hear the word obedience is the story of Abraham and Isaac in the book of Genesis chapter 22. In this passage, we see that Abraham was asked to sacrifice his ONLY son Isaac, whom God had given him through a promise. Also in the same promise was the fact that God would bless Abraham and his descendants would not be able to be counted as they would be as the stars in the heaven and the sand on the seashore. How could this promise be fulfilled if God were asking Abraham to sacrifice his ONLY son? This was not for Abraham to figure out or for him to understand but only for him to trust and OBEY.
And in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed; because thou hast obeyed my voice.
Genesis 22:18 (KJV)
Abraham, with childlike faith, simply trusted and obeyed God.
We also see that obedience results in provision. Abraham was obedient and God provided for him.
And Abraham lifted up his eyes, and looked, and behold behind him a ram caught in a thicket by his horns: and Abraham went and took the ram, and offered him up for a burnt offering in the stead of his son.
Genesis 22:13 (KJV)
Abraham did not have to worry about what he was going to sacrifice; he did not need to go out and hunt for a sacrifice, it was given to him “on a silver platter” as we would say in today’s terms. This is not always the case, and it does not happen this easily all the time, but in this instance; there were no hassles, no fights, no hoops to jump through, and nothing needed in exchange. Abraham had a need and God, his Jehovah Jireh, simply provided.
Obedience is way to show love and respect to God which leads to personal growth. When obedience is in the picture, trust appears right alongside it which develops and grows faith. If you love God, you will OBEY Him.
Jesus replied, “Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching. My Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them. Anyone who does not love me will not obey my teaching. These words you hear are not my own; they belong to the Father who sent me.
John 14:23-24 (NIV)
Obedience also has benefits attached to it such as:
Whoever gives heed to instruction prospers, and blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord.
Proverbs 16:20 (NIV)
And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight.
1 John 3:22 (KJV)
Obedience is the key that unlocks the benefits and promises of God. Choose to follow his directions today in faith as He promises to reward you for your obedience.
Obedience is following God’s instructions no matter what anyone else says. I reiterate that Obedience is an important and crucial element of the Christian faith as Jesus Christ himself demonstrated this and is the ultimate example of what true obedience is:
And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death even death on a cross!
Philippians 2:8 (NIV)
Jesus Christ paid the ultimate price for us – death. He gave His life for each of us to make salvation available to us. Jesus Christ became the complete and final sacrifice for our sins. Christ was obedient even unto death – wow what obedience!
Obeying God should not be a burden but rather a joy, a way of worshipping him and growing in your faith. Obeying should be an act of love. God is the mastermind, trust Him and be obedient to His Word and to His will.
Simply Trust and Obey!