OBEDIENCE

“O-B-E-D-I-E-N-C-E is the very best way to show that you believe.”

  What does obedience look like? Does partial obedience count? Who were some good examples of obedience in the Scriptures? Consider the following as it pertained to specific instructions from God . . .

•Noah is a standard bearer of faith
Genesis 6:22 Thus did Noah; according to all that God commanded him, so did he.

•Moses is a stalwart of faith
Exodus 40:16 Thus did Moses: according to all that the LORD commanded him, so did he.

  The idea of doing exactly as God commands seems simple enough. It certainly is not a matter of God being unclear. So, why do we struggle to submit to God and follow His will? It might be boiled down to the fact that we have hearts that often lean on our own understanding. Even the aforementioned men acted in unbelief at times. We all have doubts as to whether God can be trusted. That is why it is so vital for each of us to consider often the faithfulness of God as recorded in His Word.

These words from the book of Joshua left an indelible impression on me this past week . . .

Joshua 21:45 There failed not ought of any good thing which the LORD had spoken unto the house of Israel; all came to pass.

Joshua 23:14 . . . ye know in all your hearts and in all your souls, that not one thing hath failed of all the good things which the LORD your God spake concerning you; all are come to pass unto you, and not one thing hath failed thereof.

Joshua was reminded and also admonished the people to remember the works of God that were fulfilled upon them following His words. The results of a life of obedience should encourage us to seek to desire God’s will above our own.

“ . . . joy you will receive, obedience is the very best way . . .”