The Joy Of Obedience
The Bible has much to say about obedience. In fact, obedience is an essential part of the Christian faith. Jesus Himself was “obedient unto death, even death on a cross” (Philippians 2:8).
For Christians, the act of taking up our cross and following Christ (Matthew 16:24) means obedience. The Bible says that we show our love for Jesus by obeying Him in all things: “If you love Me, keep My commandments” (John 14:15). A Christian who is not obeying Christ’s commands can rightly be asked, “Why do you call me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say?” (Luke 6:46).
Obedience is defined as “dutiful or submissive compliance to the commands of one in authority.” Using this definition, we see the elements of Biblical obedience. “Dutiful” means it is our obligation to obey God, just as Jesus fulfilled His duty to the Father by dying on the cross for our sin. “Submissive” indicates that we yield our wills to God’s. “Commands” speaks of the Scriptures in which God has clearly given His instructions. The “one in authority” is God Himself, whose authority is total and unequivocal. For the Christian, obedience means complying with everything God has commanded. It is our duty to do so.
Having said that, it is important to remember that our obedience to God is not solely a matter of duty. We obey Him because we love Him (John 14:23). Also, we understand that the spirit of obedience is as important as the act of obedience. We serve the Lord in humility, singleness of heart, and love.
Also, we must beware of using a veneer of obedience to mask a sinful heart. Living the Christian life is not all about rules. The Pharisees in Jesus’ time relentlessly pursued acts of obedience to the Law, but they became self-righteous, believing they deserved heaven because of what they had done. They considered themselves worthy before God, who owed them a reward; however, the Bible tells us that, without Christ, even our best, most righteous works are as “filthy rags” (Isaiah 64:6).
The Pharisees’ external obedience still lacked something, and Jesus exposed their heart attitude. Their hypocrisy in obeying the “letter of the law” while violating its spirit characterized their lives, and Jesus rebuked them sharply: “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs, which indeed appear beautiful outside, but inside they are full of dead men’s bones, and of all uncleanness. Even so you also appear righteous to men outwardly, but inside you are full of hypocrisy and iniquity” (Matthew 23:27–28).
The Pharisees were obedient in some respects, but they “neglected the weightier matters of the law” (Matthew 23:23, ESV).
Jesus said, “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. For truly, I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not an iota, not a dot, will pass from the Law until all is accomplished. Therefore, whoever relaxes one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do the same will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever does them and teaches them will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. For I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the Scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. (Matthew 5:17-20 )
And we are to obey the “law of Christ,” which is a law of love. (Galatians 6:2; John 13:34) Jesus stated the greatest commands of all: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul, and with all your mind.” This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself. All the Law and the prophets hang on these two commandments.” (Matthew 22:36-49)
The people of God who obey Him are the salt and light of the world. “You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people’s feet. You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” (Matthew 5: 13-20)
An English word which is gaining the importance of understanding is “engagement.” What you are engaged in has your full attention and your life is guided and driven by it.
Examples are:
True Horsemanship – A true horseman takes time to study, apply what is studied, then through true sacrificial love does what is right to get their horses conditioned, well fed and trained. Which in return enables engagement between horse and trainer which all can see, but few can explain. There is unity, oneness in purpose, high achievements and a relationship which is undeniable and again noticed by those who have an eye to see.
Handlers: Dog handlers, no matter what field or breed - does the hard work of study, then apply what is studied and through sacrificial love does what is right to get their dogs ready for the task before them. Their dogs are well fed, conditioned and obedient thus producing and engagement between them which is noticed by all who has an eye to see.
Mankind: God has done all that is needed for mankind to have engagement with Him. Sent Jesus to pay the price, the Holy Spirit to lead and empower the children of God. Everything in the Word of God to feed mankind’s soul. God allows everything to happen so the child of God may mature through faith in Christ. All that is required for us to enjoy all God has for us is to engage with Him, give Him our attention, rely on His strength, surrender to His will as the horse does its trainer and a well-trained dog do its handler, so we may be one with our Lord and God and walk in step with the Holy Spirit of Jesus Christ.
When we have our phones in our hands, we are engaged with what we are seeing on it. When we are watching our favorite football team this Sunday afternoon, we are engaged with the game. When we are traveling down the highway driving, people want us engaged with our driving. God wants us engaged with His Son Jesus Christ, engaged while searching His Word for truth and guidance, so we may be seen by those who have eyes to see, when we are living in unity with God.
The Prophet Micah informs us what is required of us, “He has shown you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?” (Micah 6:8).
As we seek to obey God, it is imperative to understand that acts of obedience are meaningless unless it comes from the inner character of heart obedience. The Psalmist informs us, it is a “broken spirit, a broken heart – these [are what pleases God].” (Psalm 51:16-17) Love fulfils the law by taking away the labor of mere obedience and by turning law-keeping into a joy. Jesus said, “if you love Me keep my commands.” The beloved John wrote, “this is the love of God, that we keep His commands. And His commandments are not burdensome.” (1 John 5:3)
Before we go to Communion lets us set in order truths worth grasping in this message.
To understand what is required of the children of God, consider these key principles:
• Faith in God: Trust in God's promises and His plan for your life.
• Obedience to His Word: Follow the teachings and commandments found in Scripture.
• Love for Others: Show compassion and kindness to all, reflecting God's love.
• Prayer and Worship: Maintain a personal relationship with God through prayer and worship.
• Service to Others: Actively serve and help those in need, embodying Christ's example.
• Pursuit of Holiness: Strive to live a life that is pleasing to God, avoiding sin.
