The Bible has much to say about obedience….

Tap into a concordance and look up the word obedience - at least 38 references will come up.

As believers of Christ, we are to be obedient to the entire Word, not just what “works for us” or what we think is “right” or “fair”. Jesus was obedient to the Father even unto death. If we are true “followers” Christ said we would need to “take up our cross daily”, nothing in His statement says it will be easy or comfortable.
God sees our disobedience as an act of rebellion, sin and idolatry :

” For rebellion is like the sin of divination, and arrogance like the evil of idolatry. Because you have rejected the word the Lord, he has rejected you as king” 1 Samuel 15:23.

Saul was disobedient to the Lord and tried to justify his actions by twisting it into a religious act of sacrifice. How often do we (I) do the same?! Really ponder that question and take it to the Lord…. The “Hot Button” issues of our day certainly call us to know what God’s Word says on things like the sanctity of life; gay marriage and so much more…

Will we stand in obedience to God or will we stand with man?

Digging deeper…. What about things like cohabiting before marriage or stewardship of our finances or ethical business practices, I could go on and on. How many times do the excuses sound more logical or fair than following God’s Word?

Things like:

“Financially it makes sense for us to live together before marriage”

“I need to pay bills and can’t pay a tithe to the Lord”

“If I claim this on my taxes, no one will know and it saves me in the long run” etc. . .

What really saves us in the long run; returns a bounty of blessings, gives us peace and joy and makes us more useable in God’s plan, is our complete obedience to Him and His Word.

“Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. . . .” James 1:22-25.

Obedience is an act of Love!

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

God is a God of Love and Relationship. Part of obedience is duty, but ultimately as we walk with the Lord, if we are truly “growing” in our faith , we will choose obedience to Him because we Love Him more than we love the world, our comfort, our ideals, our emotions, our finances or whatever it is that we put before Him.

Take time before the Lord your God,

Ask Him to reveal your own disobedience

Choose Him over everything else

Ask Him to help you see His way rather than your own.

The Holy Spirit will help you in your desire for truth and obedience. Perfection will never be attained on this side of heaven, but seeking Him first in all things is what a follower of Christ is called to.

“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself. All the Law and the prophets hang on these two commandments” Matthew 22:36-40