SOMETHING WE ALL CAN DO:  OBEY

I've been writing about "Things We All Can Do."  Today, we are going to look about another subject that fits in that category.  I know that I recently wrote about obedience, but I felt the need to revisit the subject.  You see, obeying God is something every believer can do.

Here are 10 facts we need to learn about obeying God:

1.  OBEDIENCE IS NOT ALWAYS EASY

This first point is rather simple and obvious.  It is easy to talk about obedience but it is much more difficult to practice obedience.  God often requires that we leave our comfort zone, which we tend to resist. 

2.  OBEDIENCE IS OFTEN A PERSONAL ISSUE

Certainly there are certain commands all of us should obey.  However, obeying God may require me to do different things than you.  For instance, God calls some to preach.  Those who are called are expected to obey.  However, most Christians are not called to preach, thus they should not preach.  Each person will have unique opportunities to obey.

3.  OBEDIENCE MAY BE A CORPORATE ISSUE

Many times God calls a group of believers to obey.  Several of the New Testament epistles are written to churches.  Similarly, Revelation chapters 2 and 3 are dedicated to God's message to seven churches in Asia.  It was not uncommon for God to challenge local churches to obey Him in specific matters. 

4.  OBEDIENCE IS "FAITH IN ACTION"

Our faith is demonstrated through our actions.  Jesus said, "If ye love me, keep my commandments" (John 14:15).  Obedience to God is a good barometer of your spiritual health.

5.  OBEDIENCE REQUIRES GOD'S HELP

We cannot obey God without His help.  Too many cocky Christians later regret their sinful attempt to do God's work their own way, instead of His way.  We need God's help, especially when it comes to obedience.

6.  PRAYER IS NOT A SUBSTITUTE FOR OBEDIENCE

The enemy tempts us to substitute many things in place of obedience.  One of the most common substitutes is prayer.  Prayer is a glorious privilege, but prayer is never a substitute for obedience.  Church attendance, reading the Bible and giving are wonderful activities, but they are not substitutes for obedience. 

7.  OBEDIENCE IS OFTEN REQUIRED WITHOUT PRIOR NOTICE

In many cases, obedience is required in a split second.  At that moment, you don't have time to debate the pros and cons of obedience.  If you fail to obey that precise moment, the opportunity will probably be gone.  I've often prayed for an opportunity to share my faith, but do you know when the best opportunities have come?  When I was least expecting it. 

8.  OBEDIENCE HAS CONSEQUENCES

We know that disobedience has consequences, but do you know that obedience to God also has consequences?  When you obey God, it may cost you a relationship.  Obeying God may cost you your job.  Obeying God may cost you money.  I've often said that salvation is a free gift, but discipleship may cost you everything.

9.  OBEDIENCE WILL BE MISUNDERSTOOD

Don't expect everyone to cheer when you obey God.  Unbelievers will consider you to be a "Jesus Freak," or a radical.  Believers may label you as "legalistic" or overly zealous.  Many will frown upon your obedience.  Some will even try to persuade you to stop obeying God.  Obedience will be misunderstood.

10.  OBEDIENCE WILL BE REWARDED

Ultimately, obedience will be rewarded.  Sometimes in this life, God graciously rewards us for our obedience and faithfulness.  Most of our rewards await us when we leave this world.  Be assured of this fact, God knows when you obey Him and He will reward you one day.

Sadly, many "believers" expect God to obey them.  God is not our servant --- we are His servants.  As His servants, we are expected to obey.

That is something all of us can do.