We are called to obey.

In elementary school I vividly remember singing a song with the lyrics, “O-B-E-D-I-E-N-C-E, obedience is the very best way to show that you believe.” Beyond those words, I didn’t have a great understanding of obedience. I only knew that when my mom said I couldn’t do something I didn’t do it. It was simple (most of the time lol) to obey because I loved my parents and wanted to please them.

However, as we get older, obedience becomes scary. Prompting unsavory images of limited freedom and restriction of personal will. Many believers think they’ll never be able to have fun and enjoy themselves when they give their life to Christ. And those feelings are not completely unjustified. When you read the Bible, Abraham’s obedience almost cost him his son and Jesus’ obedience cost him his life.

But obedience is the hallmark of our life with Christ. The Bible tells us plainly that if we love God, we will obey Him (1 John 2:3-6). As we grow in our faith, we begin to understand why Abraham and Jesus and so many others gave up so much through obedience. Obedience connects and identifies us with the Father. When we choose to obey, we let our flesh know that it does not rule, that eternal life is worth sacrifice, and that we love the Lord.

His way is best because our God is good, so anything He requires of us is for our good. Yes, it’s uncomfortable and requires a lot from us but in Christ we are equipped and strengthened to be obedient (2 Peter 1:3). So, when you’re struggling to obey, zoom out. Look at the bigger picture of what the Lord is trying to do. Maybe he’s trying to prune you or bring you closer to Him or remove negative influences. The Lord uses everything for our good, including the sacrifices we make.

I pray that you would not get weary in your obedience to the Father. I pray that your focus would be on what He is doing in you and not the difficulty. May your faith be strengthened by your obedience and keep you connected to the Father. Take heart and know that He loves you.