OBEDIENCE

Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said: “We ought to OBEY God rather than men – Acts 5:29

OBEDIENCE is an attitude; a very important one to our spiritual growth. Obedience can be both costly and challenging, but ultimately fulfilling and rewarding: “If you are willing and obedient, you shall eat the good of the land” (Isa.1:19). From the ages past, believers have faced the world with the attitude of obedience to God, whatever the cost. The question is not just to obey or not to obey; the real question is WHOM to obey. The Sanhedrin demanded from the disciples, obedience to their authority. Led by Peter, their reply was direct: “WE MUST OBEY GOD rather than men!” Everyone obeys something or someone. It may be the idol of tradition; the ‘god’ of convention; the demands of the flesh or self-interest. The attitude of obedience is the priority of obeying God over every other demand in your life. Do you obey God rather than men?

Obedience to God is to do whatever He leads or tells you to do, when and how He wants it done. Peter was commanded to go tell people about the gift of life in Jesus Christ. Anything less would have been disobedience. Notice what he said in v.32: “And we are His witnesses to these things, and so also is the Holy Spirit whom God has given to those who OBEY Him.” The Holy Spirit shares with us the responsibility of telling people about Jesus, testifying of Him (1Jh.15:26). When you yield your life to Christ, Holy Spirit comes in as Helper and perpetual Partner in obedience. One of the signs that you belong to Christ is that you desire to be obedient. Some people are addicted to their own attitude, way of thinking and doing things. They exalt the god of self, and emphasize their right to individuality and personal opinion. This should not be the case with God’s children. His Word is our guideline and obedience the right attitude; not one of arrogance or a sense of entitlement.

Jesus left His Heavenly status and came down to earth to live and die for us. He humbled himself and became obedient unto the Father, to the point of death. When we embrace an attitude of humility and obedience towards God, we are sure to reap great rewards. God has highly exalted Jesus Christ as Lord, and given Him the Name that is above every other name (Phi. 2:8). When you humble yourself before God, He lifts you up (Jam. 4:6-10). The heart or foundation of obedience is to: lay down your desires, passions, pursuits, and aspirations to follow Jesus Christ. A love for Jesus quickens a desire to follow His commands. Obedience is a continued attitude, not a single action. Walking in obedience includes listening to what God says to you, whether it is small or big. Obedience in the small things leads to being tasked with bigger things (Lk.16:10).

God smiles when you obey him wholeheartedly; doing whatever He asks without reservation, procrastination or hesitation. He doesn't owe you an explanation for everything He instructs. Understanding can wait; but obedience can't. You will never understand some commands until you obey them first. Recall the lyrics of the great hymn “Trust and Obey”: “When we walk with the Lord in the Light of His Word; What a glory he sheds on our way! While we do His good will He abides with us still, and with all who will trust and obey. Trust and obey, for there’s no other way, to be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.” Obedience is to listen to the Words of Jesus and do His Will. At the marriage feast in Cana in Galilee, Mary the mother of Jesus said, “Whatever He says to you, do it” (Jh.2:1-8). They did and encountered the miraculous. Whatever Jesus says to you, with the Attitude of Obedience, do it!