SCRIPTURE: “And having in a readiness to avenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled.” (2Cor. 10:6 KJV)
QUOTE: “The true follower of Christ will not ask, “If I embrace this truth, what will it cost me?” Rather he will say, “This is truth. God help me to walk in it, let come what may!” -A. W. Tozer
NOTE:
One of the classical definitions I know of obedience conveys the idea of positioning oneself under someone by submitting to their authority and command. The reply of the Centurion gives credence to the definition above; “For I am a man under authority, having soldiers under me: and I say to this man go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this; and he doeth it.” (Matt. 8:9 KJV).
From Genesis to Revelation, the Bible has a lot to say about obedience. In the story of the Ten Commandments, we see just how important the concept of obedience is to God. Deuteronomy 11:26-28 sums it up like this: “Obey and you will be blessed. Disobey and you will be cursed.” In the New Testament, we learn through the example of Jesus Christ that believers are called to a life of obedience. Little wonder Mary, instructed those serving at the wedding in Canaan of Galilee, and through the pages of the inerrant Bible she speaks to us today saying, “Whatever He tells you to do, just do it!” His disciples, we are to follow His examples as well as His commands. Our motivation for obedience however, should be LOVE based. “If you love me, you will keep my commandments.” (John 14:15 (ESV).
ILLUSTRATION:
Roger Staubach, who led the Dallas Cowboys to the Super Bowl victory in 1971, admitted that his position as a quarterback who didn’t call his own signals was a source of trial for him. Coach Landry sent in every play. He told Roger when to pass, when to run, and only in emergency situations could he change the play. Even though Roger considered Coach Landry to have a “genius mind” when it came to football strategy, pride said that he should be able to run his own team. Roger had a decision to make. Would he allow PRIDE to rule his life and ignore his coach, making himself the star? Or would he listen to the coach and do what he wanted? Staubach later said, “I faced up to the issue of obedience. Once I learned to obey there was harmony, fulfillment, and victory.”
REFLECTION: How difficult is it for you to follow orders, even when you seem to know what to do?
TWO YEAR BIBLE READING: Eccl 11:1 – 8, Psalm 139