Obedience. A word we often attribute to children and not really to ourselves, once we become adults and no longer under the authority of parents. Yet the Bible not only mentions it frequently, it emphasizes it and its fundamental importance in the walk of faith, not only in bringing about blessings but also consequences when we choose to disobey. It is highlighted in so many of the stories of some of the greatest heroes of faith, displaying both abundant blessings vs. horrible and disappointing outcomes. It is often the key that unlocks deeper relationship, blessing, and purpose.
Let’s Be Honest About Obedience
For as much as it is emphasized and spoken about in the Bible, I often don’t see that same energy matched within the church or even in my own life. In a world where freedom, self-expression, and doing what feels right are celebrated, the idea of surrendering our will to God’s can feel so restrictive. It should be a crucial part in our Christian walk, yet we treat it like it’s some outdated concept!
But the Bible is very clear on how God views it – He honors it.
Not perfection.
Not performance.
Not how much we appear to have it all together.
OBEDIENCE.
A willing heart that says, “Yes, Lord”, even when it’s hard or inconvenient or when it makes no sense to yourself or others? He loves that.
“Has the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to listen than the fat of rams.” 1 Samuel 15:22
“If you love me, keep my commands.” John 14:15
Obedience Flows From Relationship
That doesn’t leave much room for interpretation. It is such a vital part of our relationship with Him, a huge expression of our love for Him, when we act out our trust in Him. It is literally saying, “I trust You more than I trust myself” and then actually following through with that.
I honestly haven’t spent a whole lot of time thinking about this concept, in my many years of walking with the Lord. But lately it has grabbed my attention in a whole new way, making me pretty embarrassed with how little thought I’ve given to it. I think I’ve just always chalked it up to needing to obey the Bible (which we do), but less to the everyday things He’s telling me. The “smaller” things.
But when you look at the next verse of 1 Samuel 15, verse 23? Yikes. Not obeying Him in the “smaller” things isn’t something He just overlooks and says, “Well, she’s obeying the bigger things so it’s all good.” It says, “For rebellion is as the sin of divination, and presumption is as iniquity and idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the Lord, He has also rejected you [from being king].”
That’s pretty serious. Delayed obedience is still disobedience. Partial obedience is still disobedience. Yet, He is still so gracious to keep drawing us back, never shaming, but restoring and realigning us. But after this revelation, it’s not something I really want to keep messing with though, you know?
For (literally) YEARS He has been telling me to write. Just write (that’s the only direction I’ve really received, those 2 words). I don’t know why or for what, but it comes back to me All. The. Time. I love to write, but for whatever reason, when it’s something I’m supposed to be doing, I suddenly feel like I can’t string a sentence together and all thoughts leave my brain. I do it sometimes, but not to the point that I know I’m supposed to be. I also know He isn’t going to give me further direction until I first show my discipline and faithfulness in what He’s told me to do so far.
So consider this my accountability post.
Blessing and Breakthrough is on the Other Side of Obedience
Obedience often precedes blessing. So many of us are waiting on God to move, to provide, to open doors – all the while He’s waiting on us to obey the last thing He told us to do.
“Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it.” Luke 11:28
I’m not saying it’s easy. In fact, it’s usually not. Obedience almost always costs us something and it requires us to lay down our own plans. It’s not flashy, it doesn’t receive applause. In fact, if you tell someone else the reason for doing what you’re doing – obedience – you’ll most likely receive some raised eyebrows and a drawn out “okkkkaaayyyy”. Others won’t understand. YOU probably won’t even understand! But, He does.
It will always bring peace, clarity, and alignment with His purpose. It is powerful, where transformation happens, miracles are birthed and where intimacy with Him will grow. Are you needing those things in your life? Tired of waiting for breakthrough to happen?
Obey.
Let’s Be People Who Obey
I’m not saying it’s some kind of magic bullet, but regardless, blessing always follows obedience. Is there something He has been telling you to do that you have not been in? Or are scared to do? Trust Him. Lean on the Holy Spirit for strength and DO THE THING. I promise, the things we are so hesitant to do or give up, following through with what He wants will bring about so much fulfillment and peace.
‘Whoever gives heed to instruction prospers, and blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord.” Proverbs 16:20
