One of the most significant teachings in a Christian life is obedience to the will of God. It involves doing what God desires even in the absence of ease. It is about making the right decision and accepting the way of God instead of the way of our own.
According to the bible, it is very clear that obedience is blessed, peaceful and favored. The Bible is saying in 1 Samuel 15:22, that to obey is better than sacrifice. This indicates that God appreciates our obedience more than what we can offer to him.
Then, it happens most of the times that people say they love God, however, they do not oblige Him. The obedience is the demonstration of true love to God. In John 14:15, Jesus stated, love me and keep my commandments. This verse is very close to my heart as the obedience is not to be feared, but to be in love.
By obeying God, I am informing Him that I have faith in him and I value his instructions.
It is not always easy to obey the will of God. The way that God wants is not always what we desire. In some cases it takes patience, forgiveness, humility and self control.
According to Proverbs 3:5-6, the Bible documents that, you should trust the Lord with all your heart and do not lean upon your own knowledge; in all your ways know Him and He shall guide your paths.
I have come to realize that whenever I act according to my personal knowledge, I lack proper direction but whenever I do it according to the will of God, He guides me right.
The best example of obedience is Jesus Christ. He had to obey God even in the pain. In Luke 22: 42, Jesus said, Father, should I will, remove this cup out of my hand; nevertheless, not my will, but thine be done.
The lesson that I have learned through this verse is that sometimes obedience comes with a sacrifice though it is always beneficial in the perfect plan of God. Jesus is obedient and it is through His obedience that the world has been given a salvation.
Blessings also come as a result of obedience. The Bible, in the book of Deuteronomy 28:1, stated that, should you obey the Lord your God with all your heart, and take the care to do all that He would command, then the Lord will elevate you far above all the nations. God does not require us to obey Him in order to punish us. He requests us to obey because He wants to bring a blessing upon us. When I follow God, I find the peace in my heart and confidence in my spirit.
Another promise that is beautiful can be found in Isaiah 1:19 that reads, It will happen that you, when willing and obedient, shall eat the good of the land. The willingness and obedience are combined in this verse. God is seeking hearts that are willing to serve Him. I would like to be a willing and obedient person and not a stubborn and proud one.
In some instances obedience entails saying no to sin. It entails renouncing things not to the delight of God. It is mentioned in the bible in Romans 6:16 that you are the slave of the one you obey. This is to remind me that whoever I decide to obey dictates my life. I would rather follow God since he does not take me to death.
To sum it up, a successful Christian life is based on obedience to the will of God. It comes with guidance, safeguarding and blessing. It demonstrates how we love God and that we trust in Him.
I am sincerely desiring to walk in the perfect, not flawless, but faithful obedience every day. I hope that God will enable me to serve Him always, to follow Him in my heart by a true and miserable heart and by all means.
God bless his word
Amen
