Obedience is the ultimate expression of our love for God. It’s how we demonstrate our trust in His wisdom, timing and authority over our lives. When we do what God instructs us to do, we align ourselves with His perfect will. Obedience is not just a task; it is an act of love that speaks louder than words. In John 14:15 MSG, Jesus makes it clear: “If you love me, show it by doing what I’ve told you.”
Obedience to God is not simply about following rules but about having a heart that is fully surrendered to His will, desiring to please Him above all else. Throughout Scripture, we see how God values obedience, often using it as a measure of love and commitment.
Abraham: The Epitome of Obedience
Abraham’s life is one of the most profound examples of prompt and unwavering obedience to God. When God called him to leave his homeland and go to an unknown place, Abraham obeyed immediately.
Genesis 12:1, 4 KJV says, “Now the Lord had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father’s house, unto a land that I will shew thee: So Abram departed, as the Lord had spoken unto him; and Lot went with him: and Abram was seventy and five years old when he departed out of Haran.”
Abraham was willing to step out in faith, trusting that God would guide him, even when the destination was not clear.
But Abraham’s obedience didn’t stop there. The ultimate test came when God asked him to sacrifice his beloved son, Isaac. Despite the emotional weight and confusion that must have accompanied such a command, Abraham acted promptly, preparing to do as God had asked. This act of obedience showed his deep trust in God’s goodness and plan. As a result, Abraham was referred to as a “friend of God,” a man whose heart was fully aligned with the heart of his Creator.
Because of his obedience, God made a covenant with Abraham that would bless not just him but all nations. Genesis 26:4-5 KJV recounts this promise: “And I will make thy seed to multiply as the stars of heaven, and will give unto thy seed all these countries; and in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed; Because that Abraham obeyed my voice, and kept my charge, my commandments, my statutes, and my laws.”
Saul’s Disobedience and David’s Obedient Heart
On the other hand, the tragic story of King Saul shows the consequence of disobedience. Saul was chosen by God to lead His people, but his failure to obey God’s specific commands led to his downfall.
In 1 Samuel 13:13-14 KJV, the prophet Samuel said to Saul, “Thou hast done foolishly: thou hast not kept the commandment of the Lord thy God, which he commanded thee: for now would the Lord have established thy kingdom upon Israel for ever. But now thy kingdom shall not continue: the Lord hath sought him a man after his own heart, and the Lord hath commanded him to be captain over his people, because thou hast not kept that which the Lord commanded thee.”
Saul’s disobedience cost him the kingdom, and God chose David to replace him—a man known for his heart of obedience.
David, despite his human flaws, was a man after God’s own heart because he loved God deeply and sought to do His will.
Acts 13:22 NLT tells us, “But God removed Saul and replaced him with David, a man about whom God said, ‘I have found David son of Jesse, a man after my own heart. He will do everything I want him to do.”
This is so powerful!
David’s life was marked by a passionate love for God, a heart ready to obey, and a desire to please Him in all things. His love for God translated into obedience, and because of this, God established an eternal covenant with him.
Jesus: The Ultimate Example of Obedience
Now, if we turn our gaze to Jesus, we see the perfect example of obedience. For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son; and Jesus, in turn, loved the Father so much that He was willing to submit to His will, even to the point of death.
In John 3:16 TPT, we read, “For this is how much God loved the world, He gave his one and only, unique Son as a gift. So now everyone who believes in him will never perish but experience everlasting life.”
Jesus embraced the Father’s plan for the salvation of humanity, knowing the pain and suffering it would cost Him.
Philippians 2:8-9 NLT highlights Jesus’ obedience: “He humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross. Because of that obedience, God exalted him and multiplied his greatness! He has now been given the greatest of all names!” The reward for Jesus’ obedience was unparalleled—He was exalted above all names, and His sacrifice opened the way for the salvation of mankind.
Through Christ’s obedience, we now experience the joy of salvation and a restored relationship with God. His example calls every believer to live a life of obedience, no matter the cost, trusting that God’s plans are always for our good.
The Call to Obey in Our Daily Lives
Obedience is not just a lofty ideal but a practical expectation in our daily lives. God has given us clear instructions through His word. As believers, we are called to obey the Scriptures, which guides us in all areas of life. Whether it’s in our relationships, our work, or our spiritual walk, obedience to God’s word should be the cornerstone of how we live.
Children are instructed to obey their parents, as Ephesians 6:1 NLT says: “Children, obey your parents because you belong to the Lord, for this is the right thing to do.”
Husbands are commanded to love their wives sacrificially, just as Christ loved the church. Ephesians 5:25 TPT tells us, “And to the husbands, you are to demonstrate love for your wives with the same tender devotion that Christ demonstrated to us, his bride. For he died for us, sacrificing himself.” 1 Peter 3:7 NLT also tells us, “In the same way, you husbands must give honor to your wives. Treat your wife with understanding as you live together. She may be weaker than you are, but she is your equal partner in God’s gift of new life. Treat her as you should so your prayers will not be hindered.”
Likewise, wives are instructed to respect and submit to their husbands in the same way they submit to Christ. Ephesians 5:22-23 KJV says “Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body.”
But obedience goes beyond family relationships; we are also commanded to love one another as Jesus loved us. John 13:34 TPT declares, “So I give you now a new commandment: Love each other just as much as I have loved you.”
When we live according to God’s word, we reflect His heart and become living testimonies of His love to the world.
Conclusion: The World Needs God’s Love Language
Sincerely, the world would be a better place if we all spoke God’s love language—obedience. Our individual acts of obedience can have a ripple effect, touching lives, transforming communities, and drawing others closer to God.
Obedience is key to unlocking God’s blessings and fulfilling our divine purpose. Let us commit today to loving God, not just with our words, but with our actions, by doing what He has commanded. As we walk in obedience, we will experience His favor, guidance, and the joy that comes from living in the center of His will.
May God help us all to obey Him wholeheartedly and walk in the fullness of His purpose for our lives.
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See Also
What it Really Means to Forgive and Forget
33 Scriptures to Speak Over Your Life Daily
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Faith in Adversity: The Story Behind the Hymn ‘It is Well’
Stand On What God Says; Even if You Are Standing Alone
Scriptures That Will Help You Find Peace in Difficult Times
9 Reasons Why You Should Take Leadership Roles Seriously
6 Things Every Christian Must Know About the Call to Serve
The Big Lesson to Always Remember from the Manna Episode
Why You Must Marry Right if You Have a Kingdom Assignment
Oluwaseyi Adeoye is a dedicated kingdom leader and the founder of The Kingdom Girls, an interdenominational ministry focused on raising godly role models among young women. Driven by her passion for the girl child, she firmly believes and proclaims that “Every girl is a light that must shine.” As a gifted intercessor, Oluwaseyi is the convener of While Ladies Pray, an intercessory network focused on praying for sisters-in-waiting. She is also an accountant, human resources professional, certified counsellor and christian apologist, who is dedicated to advancing God’s kingdom in various platforms. She currently resides in Lagos, Nigeria from where she writes about faith, life, and relationships.
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