THE IMPORTANCE OF OBEDIENCE

By Jemima Rayan

The sin that Adam committed was 'the sin of disobedience'. Therefore, the second Adam, Jesus Christ came into this world and 'became obedient'. Phil 2:8 declares, '...Christ Jesus humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death on the cross'.

1. Obedience is the foundation for every Christian:

In Lk 6:49, Jesus said,' But he who heard and did nothing is like a man who built a house on the earth without a foundation, against which the stream beat vehemently; and immediately it fell. And the ruin of that house was great'. Jesus also said in Matt 7:24 that 'Whosoever hears these sayings of mine and does them, I will liken him unto a wise man, that built his house upon a rock' (Matt 7:24).

Just imagine a house that doesn't have a foundation! It might look beautiful on the outside and people might appreciate the way it appears but the moment the wind blows and the rain beats against the house, it is shattered. If we have not lived a life of obedience, the moment trials and tests come, you become so negative and complaining to the point of drifting away from God. Therefore, it is those simple acts of obedience that will determine whether or not your spiritual house will stand or fall.

2. Obedience is the key to confidence:

In 1 Jn 3:21,22, we read, 'if our hearts does not condemn us, we have confidence toward God and whatever we ask we receive from Him, because we keep His commandments and do those things that are pleasing in His sight'

A life of obedience will give great confidence when we approach the throne of God. Otherwise our own heart will condemn us and we will not be able to do anything with boldness for the Lord. We will easily be consumed with doubt and fear. Never allow condemnation cut your confidence short.

God always wants you to come boldly to the throne of grace. The moment you realize that there is disobedience in your life, get back on track. Our God is so ready to forgive if you repent wholeheartedly. You never want to loose your confidence you have in God.

3. Start Obedience in little things:

Lk 12:42 says, 'Who then is that faithful and wise steward, whom his master will make ruler over the household, to give them their portion of food in due season?

Lk 16:10 says, 'He who is faithful in least is faithful also in much'. God usually tests our obedience in the little things. He gave a simple test to Adam and he failed.

God has always needed people to work with Him. But He cannot entrust great things unless He finds us faithful in little things. When we obey Him in little things, we take God into confidence and He can trust us with more. God not only trusts us with more, He also gives us our portion of meat in due season. He will make sure that there is no shortage in your house. Isn't that good?

Those minor acts of disobedience will dry up the flow of the Sprit just like the major ones will. All the small things of obedience combine to become doing God's will in our lives.

God gave the children of Israel a simple test. But they too failed. Look at Ex 16:4,' the Lord said to Moses, 'Behold I will rain bread from heaven for you. And the people shall go out and gather a certain quota every day that I may test them whether they will walk in My law or not'. But they violated God's instructions. God works in the same way even today. He has not changed ever since.

4. Never postpone Obedience:

Pro 29:1 says, 'He who is often rebuked, and hardens his neck, will suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy'.

When we refuse God's guidance, our heart grows cold. It is not that God cannot forgive you any more. Your spiritual eyes become dimmer and dimmer that you cannot see the caution God gives anymore and cannot hear from God anymore. God is talking all the time. His voice can be heard only as long as you sharpen your ears by obedience!

But, friends, when you say, 'Lord whatever you say, I will do, then we position ourselves in the place of blessing'. When God tells you something to do, don't put him off thinking it will be easier to do it later. It won't be. It will be harder. Let your heart be soft. Obey the Lord!

5. Everyone is called to obey:

2 Tim 1:9 says, ' ...God has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works but according to His own purpose and grace which was given to us in Christ Jesus before time began'

No matter who you are, God has already put a holy calling, not according to our works but according to His own purpose and grace. When it comes to obedience, God does not say, 'Let us make a deal' but instead He says, 'this is the deal'. Do you have a heart of obedience? The God who sees you in secret will reward you in public.

My prayer is that every one who reads this article will live a 'life of obedience'. In Jesus' name, Amen.