These days the word Obedience is not a positive word, for some, it seems cold and harsh. For others, it carries overtones of legalism in religion or control. And for the rest of us, it challenges our inherent drive toward autonomy and individualism. As humans, we do not want anyone telling us what to do not even God
How many of us have stopped to think that our wariness of obedience may be keeping us from one of the great keys to the enjoyment of God and the transformation of our lives? Are we aware that the Bible and all those who lived before us (Paul, Abraham, Esther, Deborah, Pierre, Jean Matthew etc..) have emphasized “all true knowledge of God is born out of obedience”.
From Genesis to Revelation, the Bible has a lot to say about obedience. In the story of the Ten Commandments, we see just how important the concept of obedience is to God. Deuteronomy 11:26-28 sums it up like this: "Obey and you will be blessed. Disobey and you will be cursed." In the New Testament, we learn through the example of Jesus Christ that believers are called to a life of obedience.
Let’s look at the meaning of this intimidating word, shall we?
According to Holman's Illustrated Bible Dictionary, obedience is "to hear God's Word and act accordingly. "The general concept of obedience both in the Old and New Testament relates to hearing or hearkening to a higher authority.
Another Greek word for obey in the New Testament means "to trust." In Hebrew the word obey is שמע – Sh’ma this verb is often translated as “hear,” which means much more than just a hearing or listening, it more means to “hear and respond appropriately.” When the Bible says that Moses “heard” YHWH, it means that he heard him and then he acted upon what he heard.
Obeying Christ is doing what He says; obeying Christ is the foundation of life, and those who disobey will face destruction.
Listen, what do you think is the key to God’s heart? Is it humility, perseverance, or faith? Although this attribute plays a vital role in the Christian’s life, it’s obedience which is the key to God’s Heart.
In John 14:23-24 it is written Jesus answered, “If anyone [really] loves Me, he will keep My Commandments.'' So then, the passage tells us that the best way to express our love, honor, and reverence for God is through obedience. That is the key to God’s Heart.
We must understand a few things about this, Obedience is not optional for believers.
Jesus Christ simply states the fact: “If you love me you will keep my commandments. Jesus is not giving here optional obedience, He truly saying that the man\woman who truly loves Him will obey (Shema - hear God's Word and act accordingly) His commandments.
To the believers, there is no option. He loves Jesus; therefore, he obeys His commands. It means we follow them and treasure them, simple as that! So that means it’s not up to us to pick and choose what we want to obey. We must obey the whole Bible therefore if God says to not participate in a pagan celebration even though it’s attractive and traditional we shall not do it, if God says to not eat a certain food even though it tastes good we shall not eat it if God says to keep a day Holy for Him even though did not use to it we shall do it. If you love Him, listen and act accordingly.
In 1John 2:3-4 we read, “We know that we have come to know Him if we obey his commands.'' The man who says, “I know Him,” but does not do what He commands is a liar, and the truth is not in him. If we want to know Him obedience should be the priority in the life of the believers who desire to know God more and please Him.
As a follower of Christ, you have a specific responsibility. Jesus is asking you, just as He asked the apostles, to keep His words. We are to write them on our hearts so as not to sin against God. Psalm 119:11, “I have laid up they word in my heart, that I might not sin against thee.”
Did you know obedience brings blessings? Yes, it does! When we obey God, the love of God will enrich us greatly, as there is no such thing as obeying Him and not being blessed. He does not operate that way. Blessing follows obedience.
Our obedience to God allows Him to demonstrate His awesome power in our lives. Our obedience also allows God to bless others through us. Does this mean that we should obey God for the sake of blessings? No-no-no. Instead, we should please God and obey Him because of who He is. We should honor Him and reverence Him as God the Father, creator of all things. So, there is a blessing to those obeying the word of God. There is a blessing to those who keep seeking with the whole heart the will of the Lord.
Man can never outsmart God; obedience is better than sacrifice, it is one of the keys to God’s heart. God has great delight in those who obey His commandments
Have you been disobeying God on many occasions? Please make up your mind to obey Him as of today. He will make your journey in life pleasant and peaceful; He will give you a glorious end.
Shalom
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