Psalm 32:8-10 "I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you. Do not be like the horse or the mule, which have no understanding but must be controlled by bit and bridle or they will not come to you. Many are the woes of the wicked, but the Lord’s unfailing love surrounds the one who trusts in him."
Psalm 128:1 " Blessed are all who fear the Lord, who walk in obedience to him."
Jeremiah 7:23 " Obey me, and I will be your God and you will be my people. Walk in obedience to all I command you, that it may go well with you."
Psalm 119:33-34 "Teach me, Lord, the way of your decrees, that I may follow it to the end. Give me understanding, so that I may keep your law and obey it with all my heart."
We all struggle with obedience and we never out grow this weakness, derived from our sin nature. We hopefully improve, but we will never master it here in this life. Our obedience falters due to procrastination, busyness, laziness, worldliness, doubt and selfish desires. When we surrender our lives to Christ, we make a commitment to follow His ways in obedience, the best we can.
"A life of surrender says, “God, whatever, whenever, wherever, and however You want it, my answer is yes.” A willing response to each of these divine calls prepares the believer for God’s call to accountability. Scripture tells us that every person will experience a day of judgment. For those who refused God’s invitation to salvation, it will mean wrath and eternal separation from the Lord. For God’s children, it will be a day in which our response to His call on our lives will be evaluated. Only those things done at His direction and in His way will matter when that time comes; everything else will count for nothing (Ps. 127:1-2).
intouch.org
Often our obedience is compromised with trying to negotiate with God's commands. We honor God with our complete obedience. He isn't interested in our excuses or questions of why, He wants willing compliance. "We sometimes choose not to obey the Lord completely. Then we try to justify our own sinful behavior by telling ourselves that it doesn’t really matter to God, or that other Christians are far more sinful than we are. But God demands total obedience." [odb.org]
God has a plan for our eternal good, and it is foolish not to obey Him. As for myself, I compare my obedience to God with following my doctor's orders. I first try to negotiate, is this an order or a recommendation? I know he is looking out for me, but how serious is he about this? Can I substitute this for that? How long do I have to continue with this? Whether or not I follow is my decision, but it will also be my consequence to suffer or be blessed. "You can develop the strength to obey God by staying in close fellowship with Him, relying on the Holy Spirit, and trusting Him for your every need." odb.org
To say we follow Jesus Christ
Without attempting to obey
Reveals our lack of faith that He
Will lead us right in every way. —Sper
To say we follow Jesus Christ
Without attempting to obey
Reveals our lack of faith that He
Will lead us right in every way. —Sper
3 Principles of Obedience [intouch.org]
1. Compliance in small matters has eternal significance and leads to blessings from God. Wouldn’t you rather follow Him out of love than out of fear?
2. Following Jesus is always beneficial to others. When we live out biblical principles, our families will be enriched, and those within our circle of influence will be encouraged to follow our example. And as we share how God responds to our obedience with His goodness, others may be motivated to seek after His Son Jesus.
3. God may tell us to respond or act in ways that make little sense. The Lord told Noah to build an ark, instructed Abraham to sacrifice his son Isaac, and directed Joshua to conquer Jericho through silent marching on six days and shouting on the seventh. All of these men agreed to God’s plan even though it did not make sense. Their trust in God overruled any concerns and led to great reward.
