One of the many ways to worship and glorify God is through obedience. Living in obedience to God in all things, even the mundane, is a great way to show your love and respect for him. Obedience is also a suiting way to draw near to him and grow in your relationship with him. For many reasons, obedience is an important part of a Christian’s relationship with Christ.
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Why Obey
“Then God said, ‘Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness, so that they may rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky, over the livestock and all the wild animals, and over all the creatures that move along the ground.’" ― Genesis 1:26
God created man to rule over the Earth. He created us to shepherd the animals and work the ground. God certainly does not need us to take care of his creation as he is almighty and powerful, but he asks us to do it anyway (Genesis 2:15). Why is that? One answer is that God is calling us to obedience and relationship with him through obedience. By obeying his call to take care of this earth we learn more about him and can grow in understanding of his heart and desires for our lives.
Obedience also leads to personal growth. Every command God asks of us isn’t just for his sake, but for ours. The call to obedience is for our benefit. He knows what is best for us and how to grow us to be stronger people and followers of Christ.
Fostering Good Habits
“Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life. And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.” ― Galatians 6:7-9
You reap what you sow. When we choose to shepherd what God has given us, we show him that we are grateful for the blessings he has bestowed upon us (1 Peter 4:10). When we take care of what he has given us, we show him that we are capable of being obedient to his commands, big or little. By practicing obedience in the small things, we are laying the foundation for obedience in the big things – when it may be hard to trust him and obey. Fostering good habits in the small things God asks of you will help make obedience in the bigger tasks easier. By fostering good habits of spiritual discipline and sowing seeds of selflessness and sacrifice, day by day, you will resemble Jesus more.
Willing and Able
What are you doing today that is preparing you for the future God has for you and the future you are hoping for? By gratefully taking care of the small things God has placed in you life, like making your bed and watering your plants, you are showing him that you are a good shepherd of what he gives you. By obeying in all things, even the mundane, you are showing God that you are willing and able to obey whatever he asks of you.
“By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and obey his commandments. For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments. And his commandments are not burdensome.” ―1 John 5:2-3
Obedience to God is not only a way to worship him, but a way to get closer to him, prepare for whatever he leads you to and grow as a person. As Christians, we know we are not saved by our works but that our faith without works is dead (James 2:26). Obeying God should not be a burden but rather a joy, a way of worshipping him and growing in your faith.
Ultimately, we will feel most satisfied when we are in right relationship to God – which can only come through obedience.
Grand Canyon University is committed to following the Lord in all circ*mstances. If you would like to learn more about GCU’s Christian identity and mission or would like to read more devotionals please visit our website and check out the GCU Blog. Learn more about the College of Theology and its degree options by checking out our website or requesting more information with the button on this page.
The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author’s and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Grand Canyon University. Any sources cited were accurate as of the publish date.
FAQs
Obedience to God is not only a way to worship him, but a way to get closer to him, prepare for whatever he leads you to and grow as a person. As Christians, we know we are not saved by our works but that our faith without works is dead (James 2:26).
How does Jesus teach the importance of obedience? ›
In fact, Jesus said, “If you love me, you will obey what I command” (John 14:15). If you have become comfortable with something in your life that God calls sin, hear this challenge: If you are at peace with God, you will be at war with your sin. But if you are at peace with your sin, you will be at war with God.
Why is obedience so important? ›
Obedience shows that you believe.
Obedience is one way we show God that we believe He will do what He said He will do. It's one way we can outwardly show our inward disposition toward God. He does forgive us when we mess up, but He desires that we strive first to not mess up. That is how we demonstrate true belief.
What does the Bible say about the importance of obedience? ›
Proverbs 13:13 “He who scorns instruction will pay for it, but he who respects a command is rewarded.” Proverbs 16:20 “Whoever gives heed to instruction prospers, and blessed is he who trusts in the Lord.” Proverbs 19:16 “He who obeys instructions guards his life, but he who is contemptuous of his ways will die.”
What kind of obedience does God want? ›
Obedience to God: Christians believe that obeying God is the highest moral duty. It involves following God's commandments, living according to His principles, and aligning one's actions and choices with His will. This is based on the belief that God is the ultimate authority and source of truth.
What are three things that obedience brings? ›
Obedience to God brings healing, closeness, and love.
What did Jesus command us to obey? ›
“Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment” (Matthew 22:37–38).
What are the two types of obedience in the Bible? ›
Theologians often speak of the active and passive obedience of Christ. His active obedience consisted of His perfect keeping of the law of God throughout His life. His passive obedience consisted of His willing reception of the punishment of sinners' breaking the law.
Why does God want our obedience? ›
Obeying God allows us to really get to know Him and ourselves, as we were created by Him, and He will bless us for it in Heaven with Him forever, freed from sin and temptation and trouble.
What obedience means to God? ›
Obedience Definition in the Bible
Another Greek word for obey in the New Testament means "to trust." According to Holman's Illustrated Bible Dictionary, a succinct definition of biblical obedience is "to hear God's Word and act accordingly."
God often rewards others—in particular, those closest to us—as a result of our obedience. For example, when a father obeys the Lord, his entire family reaps the reward of God's blessings. Likewise, a child's obedience will bless his or her parents.
Is obedience the key to blessings? ›
“Obedience is the only key that unlocks God's treasure of blessing in our lives: Obeying reaps rewards, while disobedience brings consequences. The act of obedience is of the heart. Our God requires wholehearted obedience from us.
What is the fruit of obedience to God? ›
We are called to obedience to remain in union with God. The unity we have with Christ ultimately leads to a life of happiness. Happiness with God is our intended final end. If we persevere in obedience out of love for the Father, he will reward us with the fruit of obedience: eternal life united with him.
What is the power of obedience? ›
Obedience is a powerful force for our upgrade and personal transformation. Every instruction from God always moves us forward and God's instructions to us are not in anyway to reduce us or bring us down. The missing link today in our Christian experience is OBEDIENCE, which is KEY and the true test of our faith.
What does Jesus say about obedience? ›
Jesus answered this question when He said, “He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father” (John 14:21). Each of us should ask ourselves why we obey God's commandments.
Why is it important to walk in obedience to God? ›
He gives us the strength to obey God. The more we walk in obedience to God the more powerful is the work of God in our lives. However, when we begin to walk in disobedience, the power of Holy Spirit is lessened within us. He doesn't leave us; He just goes quiet.
Why is obedience important in society? ›
In societies, the main purpose of obedience is to elicit peace and harmony within a society. However, obedience can be taken too far, and much human strife along with suffering can result.
Does obedience bring blessing? ›
God often rewards others—in particular, those closest to us—as a result of our obedience. For example, when a father obeys the Lord, his entire family reaps the reward of God's blessings. Likewise, a child's obedience will bless his or her parents.
