Obedience

When is the last time you thought about the word obedience? 

Do you ever consider what obedience to the Lord means? Can you describe what your obedience to the Lord looks like?

God’s commands are his directives for us. His word is the “outside authority” for my life.

Our culture, however, routinely redefines the paradigms of authority, including the idea that each person is his or her own ultimate authority. This is exactly where God and His word become sandpaper in our lives.

Scripture explains God is the authority, beyond ourselves. We love that concept about God when we cling to His promises or need His provision—but do we also love verses that require our obedience and submission?

Obedience and submission are touchy concepts, and yet we are accountable to God. Regardless of our willingness, He is the one we will answer to someday. (Romans 3:19, 14:12) I heard a broadcast by Tony Evans and one phrase resonated with me: “Delayed obedience (to God) equals immediate disobedience.”

Think about that for a while. What is your response to God’s command? What do you think about—or act upon—when that happens? God asks us to flesh out a personal response. That is obedience.

God’s call for obedience is found from Genesis through Revelation. He initiated giving. He loved us first. He paid the ultimate price—which requires our response. What is your response?

Obedience may mean service, activity, dedication and most likely the “C” word—commitment. Obedience requires faithfulness.

Any foggy notions I have about obeying God are simplified by reading 1 Samuel 15:22b: “Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice,” continued in verse 23, “For (because) rebellion (delayed obedience) is as the sin of divination and insubordination is as iniquity and idolatry.”

This was spoken to Saul about being king. Saul willingly sacrificed what he chose, but his sacrifice was not sufficient—God required obedience.

Today we are in that same exact place before God—He calls for my obedience, and He calls for yours as well. There is only one acceptable response.

Let’s encourage one another and say “yes” to His directives for living.

I always welcome your prayer support as I attempt to live considering His call on my life. We need each other for encouragement when life is difficult or when adversity happens.

Until next week, Anita Onarecker, an Elgin resident, author of “ Divine Appointment: Our Journey to the Bridge” and minister to women and adults, earned a Master of Christian Education from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in 2007.