What does it mean exactly to obey? When you think of obedience, you may immediately think of doing something you do not want to do- like when you were younger and had to obey your parents by eating your vegetables, cleaning your room, and going to bed even though you didn’t want to. And depending on the stage of life you are in, you may be experiencing this now with your own children but on the other end of things- telling them to be obedient!
Is this how we view obedience to God? Doing things we do not want to do?
Looking back on the things we were told to be obedient about (and possibly what you are telling your children to do) as kids, we can see that these orders were for the better of our health, maturity, and responsibility to ensure we grow into respectful human beings. At the time, it may have seemed like it was the end of the world to comply with those commands, but we know now it was for our good even though we couldn’t see that at the time.
The same principle applies to when the Lord commands something of us. At the time, it may seem hard or impossible to do. But if you have obeyed in the past, you can look back and see all of the good and blessings that came from being submissive and obeying the Father.
A quick note to add: I want to humbly acknowledge that I am a sinner and far from perfect. By writing these faith-based blog posts, I am not trying to prove that I am a better Christian than anyone else. If anything, I am preaching to myself and sharing my personal journey and reflections. My hope is that my experiences and thoughts might resonate with others and provide some encouragement along the way to help you GROW as a Christian!
Obedience is Foundational
Do you think it upsets God when we disobey Him? Yes, it does! In Luke, He calls out our actions of requesting for Him to tell us what to do, yet we do not do what He tells us to do! I can totally understand His frustration, but I know I am guilty of this. The scripture I am meditating on this month is from Luke chapter 6.
“And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say? Whosoever cometh to me, and heareth my sayings, and doeth them, I will shew you to whom he is like: he is like a man which built an house, and digged deep, and laid the foundation on a rock: and when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently upon that house, and could not shake it: for it was founded upon a rock. But he that heareth, and doeth not, is like a man that without a foundation built an house upon the earth; against which the stream did beat vehemently, and immediately it fell; and the ruin of that house was great.” Luke 6:46-49
When we do not do what is called upon us, we are linear to the house without a foundation going to ruin. But when we obey, we are laying the foundation of our relationship with God, our faith with Him, and our strength in Him. It’s almost like He perfectly designed it to be this way?
The Lord puts obedience of high importance. In the Old Testament, the law was the foundation for the Jews. They followed the laws with emphasis on offering sacrifices to God.
In 1 Samuel 15, God commands Saul, the first king of Israel, to utterly destroy the Amalekites and everything associated with them. However, Saul spares King Agag and keeps the best of the livestock, intending to sacrifice them to the Lord (1 Samuel 15:15). His intentions were pure, but were they obedient? Despite the clear command, Saul does not fully obey. Partial obedience is still disobedience.
Samuel replies to Saul’s attempt at justification with this truth: “Hath 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 hearken than the fat of rams. For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry…” 1 Samuel 15:22-23.
Samuel emphasizes that God values obedience over ritual sacrifices. While sacrifices were important in Israelite worship, they should not replace the fundamental requirement of obeying God’s commands. This principle underscores that genuine relationship with God is built on faithfulness and trust in His word.
Saul’s disobedience leads to his rejection as king (1 Samuel 15:26). God desires a heart that seeks to follow Him rather than one that relies on external acts to appease Him.
The Calling to Obey
Obedience can look different for many people based on what the Lord has called for them to do. Obedience may look like not conforming to the temptation to act in sin. Maybe it is applying a calling that the Lord has laid on their heart. It could be giving something up that God wants you to lay down. There are many more examples of what obedience could look like to you, and I believe it is different for everyone since everyone is made unique.
But I know we can all agree that obeying is hard. It is hard because it takes a lot of faith. Not knowing what the outcome will be after you obey is frightening. I am someone that looks at every single avenue before committing to something. If I notice there is something that could cause hardships, I will alter the plan to avoid that. But a lot of times with God’s calling for action we do not have that ability to see the outcome. It is truly stepping into the unknown and doing what He has ordered.
When my husband and I were completing a travel therapy assignment in Naples, FL, we attended Seagate Baptist Church. They held a missions conference where many missionaries gave their testimony. One missionary gave his testimony regarding his church planting in the country he is serving in. For years of having the church in this foreign country, no new members joined- he said he preached to his family during this season of waiting. Finally, a new family visited the church and now his ministry is growing everyday.
In response to this season of waiting and the questions he received of if he wanted to give up, he said
“In Christianity, success is not measured by the outcome and numbers of the situation, but by obedience to the Lord”.
Ever since I heard that, I have held that quote close to my heart. What faith he demonstrated in the Lord to obey Him for years before seeing any rewarding outcome.
Faith and Obedience
Faith and obedience have to co-exist. Hebrews 11:1 tells us that “…faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” We cannot see what God has in store for us as we are fulfilling the call or after. But just like when we obeyed our parents when we were younger, we did it because we loved and respected them. Why would we think God would expect any different for Him, who is our true Father?
So, are we supposed to obey out of fear?
The Bible speaks of fearing the Lord multiple times. When I was younger, I thought that meant we have to be afraid of Him- I never understood how that was supposed to be a good thing! But then I matured in my knowledge of God and the Word to see that it means to respect Him because we love Him. John 14:23 says “Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him”.
I never want to disappoint my parents, but to please them, because I respect and love them. I also wanted to obey them to prevent repercussions because I respected them. The same applies to God. We should be working to please Him and obey Him because we respect Him. The way to please Him is by obeying Him via faith. Hebrews 11:6 says “But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.”
Is This Calling From God?
Do you ever wonder if what you think you are being called to do might not be from God? I have had that concern and worry before! Looking back, I was simply over thinking God. When we overthink, we doubt. And guess who wants to avoid you from fulfilling God’s command? Satan.
I heard a quote once that said
“One of satan’s biggest snares is making you think you cannot do something that you simply won’t do. It’s a matter of will than ability”.
Wow. Can we just take a moment to reflect on that quote and acknowledge how true that is. Think of all the things you have avoided because you thought you could not do it when in reality what caused you to not do it was your lack of belief rather than your skill level.
The devil is very smart. He knows one of the biggest weaknesses in the human race is insecurity. He preys on our minds that “no one will like this, no one wants to see this, others will make fun of you, why even try when you know you will fail?” when he knows that the Lord has something He wants us to be obedient to. Why do we let him speak into us with thoughts that have no validation whatsoever?!
Another quote I heard once that I tell myself regularly is “speak to yourself more than you listen to yourself”. When we listen to ourselves, we are listening to our flesh- our sinful nature that the devil loves to dwell in. We are listening to the devil when there are thoughts of negativity and doubt about God’s plan for us. So to counteract that, we have to speak to ourselves instead. This does not mean personal affirmations about how good we are, but how good God is.
This is done through scripture. One of my favorite passages is Philippians 4:8 “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.”
Hiding His word in our heart is an intentional act, not accidental. It is so imperative, especially in times where God has called us to obey but we are scared to submit.
Each month, I choose a word to reflect on that is a characteristic or attribute of God. I meditate and pray on this thought each month to allow God to direct which word he would like me to focus on. Sometimes it aligns to what is relevant to my life, and sometimes the Lord speaks it to me through scripture. This month, I feel as though it is both. With no surprise, my word for the month of October is obedience.
I felt the Lord lay this word on my heart as I began doubting something that I feel as though He has called me to do. When He first gave me the idea of a calling He has for me, I was so on fire for it! I wrote notes, researched the idea and began planning. I was so excited for what God had in store for this. But then the next day came and I began doubting my ability to complete this call. I doubted my ability, other’s response to it, and if it was actually something God wanted me to do. Then God told me to focus and study the word “obedience”. I submitted and decided that would be my word for October.
Examples of Obedience in the Bible:
All throughout the Bible you will find multiple examples of people showing their obedience to God. You will also find examples of the destruction of not obeying God. It is important to learn from the examples of both scenarios. Below are examples of characters that followed God’s calling to obey Him.
- Mary
As I was reading the Bible on October 1st, the chronological Bible reading plan started the New Testament with the story of Mary being told she would be pregnant with Jesus. I was not even thinking about looking for obedience in this passage, I was simply reading the scripture for the day. But God revealed obedience in one of the purest forms in scripture- Mary obeying God and being submissive to His calling for her. Here’s some background and foundation:
Mary had been given the message via Gabriel the angel that she will conceive in her womb and bring forth a son, and call his name JESUS (Luke 1:31). Mary questioned how this would be possible given the fact that she is a virgin- note here that she was not questioning God, but asking Him a question. The angel answered her that “The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God”- Luke 1:35. The angel goes on to tell her that Elisabeth (her cousin who is old and had been barren) is also pregnant. He then says “For with God nothing shall be impossible” Luke 1:37.
Instead of Mary deferring the calling because of all the ways she may feel she is ‘unqualified’ for this position, she submits. Luke 1:38 says “And Mary said, Behold the handmaiden of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word.”.
She obeys.
Even though she had no idea what this calling would include nor why she was chosen, she is obedient in the unknown. This can only come through faith and trust in God’s provision and perfect plan for you that is built through a relationship with Him.
- Noah
The first thing that always stands out to me when I read the story of Noah is how Noah was viewed by God. At this time in the Bible, men were very wicked on the earth. Thus, God wanted to create a flood to wash it all away (Genesis 6:7). However, the next verse says “But Noah found grace in the eyes of the LORD”.
This makes me reflect on who the Lord chooses to fulfill orders. Noah was highly favored by God which is why He chose him to fulfill the calling of building the ark.
At this time, the earth had never seen rain let alone a flood. They had no comprehension of it. So when Noah begins building the ark and warning the people, no one believes him. I can only imagine how discouraging this would be. Everyone around you is doubting your calling and I would assume that Noah was at times, too.
However, Genesis 7:5 says “And Noah did according unto all that the LORD commanded him”.
He obeys.
Through the discouragement from others, possible doubt in something that he has no understanding of, and the physically hard work he had to endure, he persisted in obedience to God. He and his family were blessed with protection. They lived to see the promise of the Lord via the rainbow.
When I read this story I remind myself that in those moments of hearing from the Lord about something He wants me to do, I should not doubt or question why He has chosen me to go through this even if it is hard, because He has chosen ME to complete it. How comforting that He loves me enough to want me to do this for Him and what an honor to be able to do something for the Lord- no matter how big or small.
- Abraham
One of my favorite examples of obedience in the Bible is Abraham. Abraham is a paragon of faith in God to us believers. Like stated above, faith and obedience have to co-exist. For us to be obedient to something the Lord has called us to do almost always means we do not know the outcome OR the reason. Yet, we serve a loving, good Father that works all things together for good to them that love God and are called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28).
Abraham demonstrated this faith with full obedience to the Lord’s directions to complete a task that would be the hardest thing for him to do. Abraham and his wife Sarah were old and barren. They prayed for God to bless them with a child. God promised Abraham that he would have as many children as the stars in the sky. But like all humans do, when that promise was not fulfilled immediately, he began to doubt. They wanted a child so badly! Finally, the Lord blessed Sarah with giving birth to their son Isaac. Imagine, you have been waiting for so long for God to fulfill his promise of granting you a child and the day finally comes! The amount of love you have for that child could never be measured. I am sure a lot of praising and worship to the King was happening!
However, God spoke to Abraham to complete a command of taking Isaac, his only son who he loved so greatly, and offer him as a burnt offering to sacrifice (Genesis 22:1-2). I cannot imagine the heartbreak Abraham must have felt after receiving that command from the Lord. Yet, the next morning, Abraham woke early and took Isaac to the mountain God told him to go to.
As they were journeying to the mount with the materials for the sacrifice, Isaac asks his father “Behold the fire and the wood: but where is the lamb for a burnt offering?” (Genesis 22:7). I cry every time I read this verse. I can just imagine Isaac being so innocent and pure in his childhood looking to his father who he puts so much trust in to meet his physical earthly needs asking him a legitimate question of what they will be sacrificing. I can also just imagine Abraham being so heartbroken of knowing the answer but wanting to continue to protect his son who he loves so much from heartache and fear that he has done since he was born by acting in faith by saying “My son, God will provide himself a lab for a burnt offering: so they went both them together” (Genesis 22:8).
Abraham continued to act in obedience even though he was doing the hardest act he has ever had to do and will ever do- he lays his son on the altar to sacrifice.
He obeys.
And the Lord rewards his obedience of bringing Isaac to the mount and laying him on the alter by sending an angel to tell Abraham to not fulfill the sacrifice because of his obedience and fear in God. As was mentioned above, fear in God is equivalent to respect. Abraham respected God so much that he obeyed Him. And the Lord provided a sacrifice for Abraham to offer instead of Isaac.
God never had the intention to eliminate Isaac’s life but to test Abraham’s faith, trust, and obedience. And look what beauty came from obedience. Isaac lived to father Jacob, who will become the father of Israelite Tribes laying the pathway and foundation for the birth of Jesus.
- Jesus
Lastly, the greatest example of obedience in the history of the world is Jesus dying on the cross for every single soul then, now, and to come.
Jesus is the Son of God. Like Abraham, God laid His Son to be a sacrifice. Unlike Abraham, there was no other option to take His place.
Jesus was sent for one singular purpose. To die for our sins. From even before Mary was carrying Him in her womb, the way was being prepared for this to happen. Prophecies in the Old Testament claim this truth.
I have heard different ideas of if Jesus in human nature knew His purpose all along or if there was a certain moment that He realized what was in store for Him. I am not sure the exact answer as I go back and forth on this thought. Either way, He was submissive to the call as soon as it was evident.
Jesus lived a perfect life. He also lived a lowly, humble life. He was not born into royalty (although He is the King), but instead was born into a family that could only afford giving turtle doves and pigeons as a sacrifice, a father as a carpenter, and a follower of the Jewish traditions/ laws.
The Bible tells us that Jesus came to be a savior for His people- the Jews (Matthew 1:21). The Jews are aware of a Messiah that is prophesied to come be the savior for the world. However, the Jews did not receive Him (John 1:11). Still, Jesus obeyed God to continue bringing others to Him and spreading the good news. Eventually, Jesus also began preaching to the gentiles as well since the Jews did not receive Him as their Messiah.
Thus, Jesus was well known by many. He was known for the characteristics He was demonstrating: perfection, sinless, loving, and full obedience to God. However, all turned on Him leading Him to the cross.
Leading up to the crucifixion, Jesus knew what would be happening before anyone else did. He knew before Judas betrayed Him. It was all aligning for Him to be obedient to complete His purpose.
The moment I think of mostly with Jesus being obedient to the cross is when He is in the Garden of Gethsemane. He knows the time is at hand. He prepares for the moment through prayer. Prayer to His Father who He loves, trusts, and is reliant on to meet His needs. His prayer is “Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done.” (Luke 22:42). How can anyone read this verse and not weep?
He obeys.
What perfect obedience He demonstrates. He knows the pain He is about to endure but still obeys with “thy will be done”. When He submits to the Lord’s will, God provides the comfort and strength that is needed for His will to be fulfilled (Luke 22:43).
Even though Jesus is almighty and powerful, He was in human form during this time. And He perfectly demonstrates that even though we are submissive to be obedient to God’s calling, it does not mean we are instantly equipped with an easy life. Once Jesus submitted, He was then in agony in prayer causing Him to sweat drops of blood in thought of what was to come.
Jesus loves us so much not only to comply to be our ultimate sacrifice but to be human. Meaning, we serve a Savior that understands our struggles.
In Hebrew 2:16-18, the Bible says “For verily he took not on him the nature of angels; but he took on him the seed of Abraham. Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people. For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted.”
This shows us that Jesus became human to gain understanding of the hardships we go through in life including saying “thy will be done” in response to being obedient to God’s calling.
Jesus’ submissiveness in the Garden of Gethsemane is why we have salivation today. He obeyed to be our ultimate sacrifice. No other sacrifice will ever be needed again. He has made a way for us to be with God one day forever. Through grace we are saved because of His crucifixion. By His stripes we are healed- “Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.” Isaiah 53:4-5.
One of the best verses to truly remind us of the importance of the obedience Jesus submitted to is Romans 5:19 “For as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous.”
What Can You do to Obey Right Now?
After Jesus resurrected from the grave and before returned to Heaven, He left the great commission. This is the purpose for every single believer to obey. “And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.” (Mark 16:15).
We are all called to be witnesses for God through love of God and our neighbors- “Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.” (Matthew 22:37-39)
So you have heard it, now do it. James 1:22 says “But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves”. Submit and be obedient to the Lord’s command out of faith, respect, and love for Him. He died for you, will you now live for Him?
I hope this post has encouraged you to say “yes” to what God is calling you to do and be obedient. Demonstrate your full faith, love, and respect to God by saying “thy will be done” in complete obedience to what He has called for you.
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