Walking in Obedience
Who is an Obedient Christian?
In the Christian faith, obedience signifies a complete surrender to the authority of God. To obey means we understand and heed Christ’s teachings (John 14:15). Every area of our lives is affected by obedience, including how we manage our finances. This means we embrace God’s Word and discard religious legalisms and human frailties that lead to disrespect of God. Failure to meet this standard can have severe consequences. Disobeying God is a sinful act, with repercussions that extend beyond our spiritual lives.
Disobedience in the Bible
The Bible unequivocally labels disobedience as a sin. Pride, rebellion, stubbornness, anger, and a penchant for worldly conformity are attitudes that lead us astray from God (1 Samuel 15:23, Luke 6:46). Jesus underscores that disobedience is akin to rebellion or stubbornness, questioning why some call Him Lord yet do not follow His commandments. If any of these traits are familiar, it means we are transgressing against God’s will. Disobedience often results in divine discipline, but willingly adhering to God’s guidance rewards us with peace, joy, and the promise of eternal life.
Consequences of Disobedience
Disobedience holds far-reaching implications, affecting not only individuals but also their families, friends, and communities (Jonah 1:5). Saul’s rebellion led to his removal as an anointed king and to the sins of his soldiers. (1 Samuel 15:23). This served as a reminder that obedience surpasses mere sacrifices. Adam and Eve’s disobedience passed on a sinful legacy through generations. Conversely, Jesus exemplified perfect obedience, prioritizing His Father’s will above all else (John 6:38). His selfless act on the cross paved the way for hope, peace, joy, and everlasting life.
Walking in Obedience
Achieving obedience involves seeking assistance from the Holy Spirit in our daily walk of faith. This is crucial for spiritual success. We must prioritize the study of Scripture, and reflect on God’s nature and His deeds for us. Even when it is challenging, we can commit to obedience. Let us emulate Jesus, for it is a sin to know what is right and not act upon it (James 4:17). We would do well to consider our motive to obey; obedience is an expression of love for God and a demonstration of faithfulness to His teachings. In (John 14:15), Jesus describes an obedient Christian as he or she who loves Him and obeys His commandments.
Conclusion
Obedience is not only essential to God but also to us. It serves as proof of our love for Him (1 John 5:2-3), displays our faithfulness (1 John 2:3-6), glorifies Him in the world (1 Peter 2:12), and ushers blessings into our lives (John 13:17). If we’ve been living in disobedience or struggling to align with His Word, we can seek forgiveness in Jesus and seek the Holy Spirit for transformation.
Dr. Christie Dike, retired, is an active member of Pathway Community Church’s Thrive Ministry in Fort Wayne, Indiana. She is blessed with a surviving son, Roy Dike, and spent her professional life teaching in higher education.