A critical cornerstone in the Christian experience is obedience to God. This is a reflection of our love and trust in Him. The art of obeying goes further than keeping within the line of regulation; it entails the heart in complete submission to the will of God. Here is how we can cultivate a life of obedience and experience the blessings that come with it.
Understanding the Foundation of Obedience
Obedience, at its foundation, is love and trust in action. Jesus said, "If you love me, keep my commands" (John 14:15). Our obedience will then be a response to God's love toward us, and it simply is showing Him respect; after all, this is founded on a relationship with God Himself, who is our creator, savior, and lord. When we realize that God's commands are His love for us and for our good, it becomes a natural response of faith.
Listening to the Voice of God
We cannot obey if we don't know the will of God. We listen to His voice in prayer, scripture, and through the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Psalm 119:105 states "Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path." As we read and meditate on the Bible regularly, we learn the instructions of God and how to discern His voice from the many voices in the world. A related important element is prayer, which allows us to communicate with God and ask for His directions.
Cultivating a Heart of Submission
Obedience is all about a willing heart. Isaiah 1:19 states, "If you are willing and obedient, you will eat the good things of the land." So, one has to have a yielding heart that may submit his desires and plans to the will of God. It is an attitude of humility, recognizing God does know best and trusting Him even when we don't understand. This calls for daily surrender and commitment to follow God's lead at whatever cost.
Practicing Immediate Obedience
Postponed obedience is disobedience. When God requires a response from us, it is supposed to be immediate. The incident of the readiness of Abraham to sacrifice Isaac (Genesis 22) is a textbook case of prompt obedience. In so doing, he followed, without delay, a command too hard to carry out, thus showing his trust in God. Immediate obedience will emerge in faith and confidence in God's timing and purpose.
Overcoming Obstacles to Obedience
Our lack of obedience can be driven by many things: fear, doubt, self-centered wishes, etc. Against this, we need to have confidence in the power and grace of God. Philippians 4:13 assures us that "I can do all this through him who gives me strength." Keeping on track for things against adversities may involve praying, seeking friends who may offer support, and constantly reminding ourselves of God's faithfulness.
Finding the Joy in Obedience
It is true; joy and satisfaction are gotten from serving the Lord. Psalm 19:8 points out, "The precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart." We have peace and fulfillment in living according to the purpose He has for us. Obedience sets one free from the burden of sin and leads to a deeper, more intimate relationship with God. It enables us to experience His blessings and promises towards us.
Learning from the Example of Jesus
Jesus was the epitome of perfection in obedience. Philippians 2:8 attests, "And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death—even death on a cross!" Jesus was obedient because of their love toward the Father and working to fulfill His plan for the salvation of humanity. Obedience, therefore, according to His example, always involves sacrifice and self-denial, but it also leads to manifestations of glory and purpose.
Building a Legacy of Obedience
Our obedience can be an inspiration and also imprint a legacy of faith. As we are told in Deuteronomy 6:6-7, "Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down, and when you get up." Teaching and modeling obedience before the next generation helps them understand its importance and encourages them to serve God with all their hearts.
Conclusion
Obedience is an art for lifelong journeys demanding total commitment to humility and love towards God. Through learning how to listen to His voice with a heart of submission, immediate obedience, and conquering, we can begin to learn how to grow in faith and how to live this abundant life He has promised us. As we follow in Jesus' steps and build a tradition of obedience, we thereby not only do honor to God but inspire others to do the same. So, we want to commit to master the art of obedience, with the knowledge that your way is always the best.