Obedience

For a wise parent who is thinking long range, you might think of obedience as a gift you give your child. Obedience is defined as “Trusting those who lead you by doing what you are asked to do.” As a virtue, it depends on an ability to submit one’s own preferences to another. This is especially important as your child grows older and is faced with the choice of trusting in God’s wisdom over his or her own understanding. Do we trust God deeply enough to trust His reasons even when we don’t know what they are or fully understand them? Is it possible there is more to an issue then what we know?

Every believer must choose whether he will live by the principle of obedience or follow his preferences. When a person commits to doing the Lord’s will, then every situation and decision is sifted through the standard of “God said it, so I'm going to do it, and that’s the end of it.” He may complain, weep, or try to argue. But in the end he will be obedient, no matter what.

The Lord certainly understands our need to question, cry out, and petition Him for the strength to do what He asks. Hebrews (4:15) tells us that we have a high priest who can sympathize with us. Jesus wasn't excited or happy about the cross. He grieved over the coming separation from His Father. Nevertheless, He was committed to following God’s will Matthew (26:39). No one took Christ’s life from Him; He laid it down John (10:18).

Our lives are about fulfilling God’s purpose. Many people miss His awesome plan for them because they choose to follow their preferences. Obedience is sometimes hard, but the struggle and sacrifice are worth it. There is joy and peace for the believer who pleases the Lord and lives by His principles.

Reverend William Bowers