Obedience (The Right Way)

Yesterday, we looked at three guiding principles to begin orienting our lives around. Today, I want to share how we do those things well.

First, let’s take a breath and remember that God does not ask for or expect perfection. He does ask for and expect obedience, though. Those are different things, and we can find comfort in the fact that God is aware of our flaws and failings and loves us anyway. It’s an honor that God would call us, even knowing us as well as He does, to follow Him.

Additionally, we don’t have to obey Him alone. Jesus has sent His Spirit to all who call on the Name of the Lord to be saved. His Holy Spirit is here to comfort us, guide us, and convict us. These are good things. His Spirit is the part of Him inside of us, the One stirring the words of the Scripture to life and so much more.

As we obey, let’s first invite His Holy Spirit into our daily lives. His Comfort and Guidance will empower us to obey well. Nowadays, hearing a phrase like the Holy Spirit can make us feel strange. The Holy Spirit isn't an it, it's a Him. The Holy Spirit is part of God. He's not a feeling we get or some strange thing from paranormal television. He's the part of God that lives in us when we give our lives to Jesus. So, first, we invite Him into our lives and give Him space to guide us.

Secondly, let’s set a practice in our hearts, friends: let’s obey quickly, and to the best that we possibly can. I’ve heard it said that delayed obedience is disobedience. I think that is true. Let’s endeavor to obey quickly. When God nudges us to adjust something or to do something bold, I pray that we choose to do it quickly and do it to the best of our ability.

Third, and finally, some thoughts on trust: Understanding is not a prerequisite for obedience, but trust is. If we’re really going to step out on a limb and follow Jesus, we need to trust Him. That’s usually the first, and probably main, hurdle to navigate as we follow Him. If you’re hesitating to obey God, ask yourself: Is this because I don’t trust Him? Sometimes even asking that allows us to reset and remember that we do trust God, and it’s (while understandable) silly to wait any longer.

Let’s do the thing! We can trust the end result to God. We may fail to obey well, or, more likely, this obedience may cost us, but we know that God will take care of us. He’s already made a Way. It’s up to us to follow Him! He is a God we can depend on.