Obedience

 John 14:15- If you love me, keep my commands.

1 Samuel 15: 22- But Samuel replied,” What is more pleasing to the LORD: your burnt offerings and sacrifices or your obedience to His voice? Listen! Obedience is better than sacrifice, and submission is better than the fat of rams.

 

I have established a word for the year for the past several years. The word serves as an intentional mark of focus that sets the tone for the year ahead. For 2024, the word was ‘cultivate’. For 2025, the word is ‘obedience’.

Why Obedience?

Obedience to God is the primary indicator of our love for Him. What would my life look like if I obeyed God in every area? Well, I want to find out. Obedience sends the message that I trust God in all things. I see Him as supreme. He is good. His character is sure. He will never steer me wrong.  I think of the passage in James where James encourages us to not just be hearers of the Word but be doers of the Word( James 1:22). How many times have I just heard God’s word and not put it into practice?  I want to live a life of wholehearted obedience. I want to hear God’s voice and do what He says. Jesus is not just my Savior. He is my Lord. He is in control. My life’s purpose is to glorify Him, to give Him honor and praise. God values obedience more than sacrifices. He wants us to do what He tells us to do. I am reminded of Abraham in Genesis. He obeyed God when God told him to move to an unknown land. He obeyed God when God told him to sacrifice his only son. Thankfully, God spared Abraham’s son Isaac. Abraham demonstrated great faith and surrender to God. He determined in His heart that no matter the cost, He would obey God. He would rather listen to God’s voice rather than man. I want to live out my faith by obeying God.

Hindrances

The main hindrance to living a life of wholehearted obedience is my thinking that I know what is best and simply not wanting to do what God says. I must remember that the earth is the LORD’s and the fullness thereof, the world and all that dwell therein( Psalm 24:1). He is in control, and I belong to Him. My will is submerged in His. I have to remember that He knows what is best for me. I am not fit to govern myself. I need the Triune God to direct my life.

 

Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank You for your voice. Please help me to listen to you speak. Help me to obey You. Please make my heart willing to do what You tell me to. Hide my will in Yours. Please help me not to be merely a hearer of Your word. Rather, help me to do what Your word says. Forgive me of my pride. Forgive me for thinking that my way is the best. LORD God, my life is Yours. Do with it as You wish. I surrender to Your will, way, Word, and voice. I surrender to You for I know that You know what is best for me. So, help me to obey You when it’s difficult to do so. Help me to obey You when it would be much more convenient to do things my way. Help me to choose You every time. For You love me, Lord God. I love You. I want to show my love for You. Obedience is better than sacrifice. Please help me to listen to You in moments of weakness. For when I am weak, You are strong. Your strength is perfected in weakness. Please give me the courage to obey You when it is difficult. Help me to value what You say above every opinion of man. Please, God, help me to live out my faith. Help me to obey You in all things.

In Jesus’ Name

Amen