In the world in which we live, it is obvious that many think obedience is a suggestion, not a mandate. Parents tell the children to do a task and if they don’t there are no repercussions, or if there are it is not enough to initiate a change in the child. In the workplace, many do just enough to make it look like they are obeying the rules until the boss is out of sight. This same attitude has filtered into the modern-day church. The average Christian thinks most of the commands from the Bible are not crucial to our faith. They have accepted Christ as their Savior and they are on their way to Heaven. That is the only thing they are concerned about. However, they are very wrong. Obedience is very important to God and if a person reads through the Bible, they will see God’s actions against disobedience. In John 14:15, John tells us that if we love God we will obey. Obedience is the mark of a true Christian.
First, let us define obedience. Obedience is obeying the first time you are told to do something. You don’t try to reason with God, your parents, or your boss. There is no hesitation. You recognize their authority, and you obey. Also, obedience requires the right attitude. To do what you are told with a bad attitude is nothing more than compliance. It is not obedience. Another component of true obedience is to do it completely, not halfway just to get by and avoid punishment. God requires obedience and with Him, you should understand, that He always knows best and is molding you to be conformed to the image of His Son Jesus.
Romans 8:28-29 “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.”
Second, our obedience pleases God. In I Thessalonians 4:1 we are to live our lives in such a way that God is pleased with us. Paul exhorts us to walk according to God’s design and we will grow more and more.
I Thessalonians 4:1 “Furthermore then we beseech you, brethren, and exhort you by the Lord Jesus, that as ye have received of us how ye ought to walk and to please God, so ye would abound more and more.”
Third, for those who are in Christ and living life according to God’s word there is no condemnation on them. This does not mean that God overlooks our sins, and we can live as we choose because sin in the life of the believer is worse than the sin of an unbeliever because we are sinning against the One who died for us. The law condemns but the gospel frees us. It gives us liberty and power to overcome sin. With this knowledge should come a gratitude and love that keeps us from willfully sinning.
Romans 8:1 “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.”
Fourth, our obedience provides a shelter in God that we can trust. When we face trouble, we have a hiding place. We have a safe and secure feeling that no matter what happens God is in control, and He will take care of me. Does this mean everything will go my way? No, but it does mean that as He molds me and gets me ready for eternity, I have shelter in Him every step of the way.
Psalm 32:7 “You are a hiding place for me; you preserve me from trouble; you surround me with shouts of deliverance.”
Sixth, my obedience will deepen my relationship with God. As this grows my relationship with God, I am better able to resist temptation. I am confident in the assurance of my salvation. Sin will always cause us to not feel secure in our eternal destiny because it breaks our relationship with God. It is like static on a phone line, and if we don’t repent, we can get so far away that we cannot hear Him. Obedience prevents this from happening.
As you get to know God better through His word and how He works in your life, your love for Him will grow. This will cause you to want to please God and obedience will be your heart’s desire. Obedience is crucial to pleasing God and it is crucial for you to make it to Heaven. After we have accepted Jesus as our Lord the most important thing to do is obey!
