An Uncaged Bird: Finding Freedom and Joy to ObeySample

Beyond When I was 15 years old, my parents enrolled me into public school. Coming from a private school background, I was faced with various peer pressure for the first time as well as the discomfort of temptation.  Taking certain stances for the Lord caused me to become the brunt of many jokes and social loneliness. It made attending school very difficult, and I began to wrestle with doubts. Even in adult years, doubt makes our temptations seem so much more reasonable.  Immediate gratification, reward, and praise seem to come more prevalent to the followers of this world than to the children of God. Though we know that God’s standards and commandments cause us to be “peculiar people” (1 Peter 2:9), sometimes, if we’re honest, obedience feels like a cage that locks us in and keeps us out. But scripture tells us that God’s Word is true and guides us in all wisdom and truth as we purpose in our hearts to please The Lord in our everyday lives. Through seasons where I struggle in my obedience, I am reminded of the four friends in the book of Daniel: Shadrach, Meshach, Abednego, and Daniel. We know them most for the flames they walked through and the lion’s den they slept in, but their resolve was made concrete in their small obedience around the dinner table. “But Daniel resolved not to defile himself with the royal food and wine, and he asked the chief official for permission not to defile himself in this way…” – Daniel 1:8 (NIV) Sitting in the King’s palace with their neighbors, brothers, cousins, and friends—all taking part in the immediate pleasures of Babylon, these four young men resolved to be obedient to their God. They did not compromise under peer pressure. They did not make excuses out of fear. They did what they knew was right in the sight of the Lord and as a result, the favor of God elevated them from captives to counselors, and they were found healthier and wiser than any of the king’s own advisors! The same is true for you! An obedient life will cultivate a distinction in our lives when we look to The Lord instead of our doubts. It produces greater faith, hope, love, and courage. Ultimately, obedience is a result of our trust in our Heavenly Father and in the good plans He has promised us (Jeremiah 29:11). The world declares they are free to do whatever they choose, but God’s Word declares that sin is the real bondage (John 8:34), but it’s Christ who sets us free (Galatians 5:1)! When others seem to soar and excel due to dishonesty, or when our friends choose impurity yet still get married, it can cause us to struggle and doubt the faithfulness of God. It’s tough when those of us who follow Christ seem to be criticized and alienated while those who live in disobedience seem to be admired and revered. But when we trust God by obeying Him, no matter the cost, we will never lose because we know that our reward is eternal and that our God is faithful! Remember, the things of this world are passing away, but God’s Word is true and when we obey, His rewards are given with eternal worth beyond this world and beyond our present circumstances.