Obedience, Obey…What do you think when you hear those words?
I think for many, they create internal resistance.
In a world that encourages ‘independence’ at every turn where does Obedience fit in?
The moment we feel we’re being told what to do, what to think, how to act and what to believe, we square off and prepare for battle.
And once that battle begins…
Today’s passage teaches that “obedience is not blind compliance; it’s the trust of a heart shaped by grace”.
So what is Christ asking of us?
In moments of disagreement does he ask us to lash out, to argue, to hate, to refuse to see a different perspective?
I doubt it.
What if in those heated moments, we paused, even for a split second, and remembered what God says?
Will we obey Him?
How might He want us to respond? What might He want us to learn from this person or experience?
Is there something He asking of us that we are refusing to acknowledge?
Are we standing up for God and what He asks…or for our own pride?
What if, when we begin to feel our own resistance, we took a deep breath and whispered a quick prayer for the Holy Spirit to help us find the words?
What if instead of doubling down on our opinions, we opened our hearts to a different idea?
We will never agree on all things. And I don’t think God asks us to.
But maybe, just maybe, if we obeyed the teachings of our merciful Father, we would be surprised by the result.
Lord, help me to walk in obedience today, let your word guide my actions and reflect my love for You and those you place in my life. Amen.
