Praying for the "O" word

Obedience isn't something we usually talk about, unless referring to children or pets.  It seems to be cast into that "no longer necessary" pile once we cross that invisible line between childhood and adulthood.  Sure, we might "listen" to our boss, or "follow" instructions....but obey someone?  Nope.  I'm a grown up now and I don't have to!

We are dropping the word from marriage vows (remember when we promised to love, honor and obey?), dropping it from our parenting responsibilities (how many children have you seen in the store deliberately disobeying their parent(s)?) and even dropping it from our relationship with God.  The "O" word is becoming one of those dirty little words that nobody wants to talk about, much less do.

Why is obedience so important?  Without a chain of command there is chaos. The parent, who is supposed to be in authority, places their child in a position of uncertainty and even danger by not expecting obedience from the child.  An employee that refuses to obey the employer does nothing to strengthen the business, rather their actions bring harm to the whole.  And a servant of Christ that doesn't obey Him demonstrates his or her lack of love for Him.  Don't believe me?  Read John 14:15.

It goes against our flesh nature to put ourselves under the authority of another.  It is the aspect of ourselves that Satan has exploited since the garden when he enticed Eve to disobey God. (Genesis 3:1-4)  And yet obedience is one of the ways God tells us demonstrate our love for Him (John 14:15).  The Bible is full of stories revolving around obedience and disobedience.  (Jonah, Samuel, Saul (both Old and New Testament))  Paul instructed Titus to, "Remind (the people of Crete) to be submissive to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work..." (Titus 3:1)  Obedience is an important aspect of a real, true relationship with Christ.

I encourage you to take the time to study God's word.  It is impossible to obey if you don't know the instructions.  Ask God to reveal the area of your life that you most need to submit to His authority.  Then pray for the Spirit to guide you in your obedience.  I promise you that He has your best interest at heart and while it may at times be hard to deny yourself the reward will be worth it once all is said and done.*originally published on Coffee with Christ