Obedience

John 14:21 NLT Those who accept my commandments and obey them are the ones who love me. And because they love me, my Father will love them. And I will love them and reveal myself to each of them.

A little girl went to her mother with tears in her eyes; “Daddy said a bad word today.” Of course the mother then asked, “What did Daddy say?” She said, “Daddy used the word ‘obey.'” If we are honest, that’s the same reaction we have when our heavenly Father tells us to obey his commands. But do we really understand what obedience means and the promises that come with it?

Typically we view spiritual obedience through the lens of rules and regulations. We think of obedience as behavior modification, seeing God as the spiritual traffic cop: stay in line, and everything will be ok. If that were the measure of obedience, then the Pharisees would have been the first to recognize Jesus as the promised Messiah. They were obedient to all the Mosiac laws, followed Jewish traditions, and had memorized the Torah (the first five books of the Old Testament). They were devout rule-followers but focused primarily on outward compliance while ignoring the real spiritual meaning of the Law. Jesus said this about the Pharisees: “These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. They worship me in vain; their teachings are merely human rules.’ 

The rich young ruler said he had kept all the commands, and yet Jesus challenged him to sell all that he had, give it to the poor, and follow him. Jesus wasn’t opposed to the young ruler being wealthy or having possessions; He was opposed to the possessions owning the young ruler. He was searching for what owned the heart of the young man.

Obedience has always been more than just following rules, rituals, or doing things we read about in scripture. It is about surrendering everything to Him. Knowing that he is enough to meet every desire of our hearts, to provide us the peace, joy, and rest our soul desires. Jesus said, “On judgment day many will say to me, Lord! Lord! We prophesied in your name and cast out demons in your name and performed many miracles in your name. But I will reply; I never knew you. Get away from me, you who break God’s laws.” It is about knowing Him, not knowing about Him. Obedience is about a heart surrendered to God, living in a deep, intimate, personal relationship with the lover of our souls (1 John 4:10), filled with the Holy Spirit and empowered by his love, grace, and mercy.

How often do we pray for God to reveal himself to us? Jesus promises to reveal Himself to those who walk in love and obedience. It’s not about perfection; it’s about a heart surrendered and aligned with His. Jesus connects this love with obedience, not out of duty but devotion. When we treasure His commandments and live them out, we demonstrate our love for Him. This love isn’t just declared; it’s shown in our actions, decisions, and attitudes. In return, Jesus offers us something extraordinary—His presence—to reveal Himself. He is calling us to a lay-down-your-life-on-a-cross kind of love! Something that is impossible except through the Holy Spirit. When we fully surrender, laying our lives and desires down and loving the Lord deeply, obedience flows naturally, and in that place we encounter the fullness of His love and nearness. Exodus 20:6 NLT, “But I lavish unfailing love for a thousand generations on those who love me and obey my commands.”

Pray for a heart of obedience that daily surrenders to God’s ways and purpose. Then you will see Him!

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Gary and Sandy Anthony

1 Corinthians 11:1 NLT You should imitate me, just as I imitate Christ.

Psalms 112:1-2 NLT How joyful are those who fear the Lord and delight in obeying his commands. Their children will be successful everywhere; an entire generation of godly people will be blessed.

James 1:25 NLT But if you look carefully into the perfect law that sets you free, and if you do what it says and don’t forget what you heard, then God will bless you for doing it.

Matthew 15:3-6 NLT Jesus replied, And why do you, by your traditions, violate the direct commandments of God? For instance, God says, Honor your father and mother, and Anyone who speaks disrespectfully of father or mother must be put to death. But you say it is all right for people to say to their parents, Sorry, I can’t help you. For I have vowed to give to God what I would have given to you. In this way, you say they don’t need to honor their parents. And so you cancel the word of God for the sake of your own tradition.

Psalms 19:7-8 NLT The instructions of the Lord are perfect, reviving the soul. The decrees of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple. The commandments of the Lord are right, bringing joy to the heart. The commands of the Lord are clear, giving insight for living.

Mark 7:6-8 NIV Jesus replied to the Pharisees, Isaiah was right when he prophesied about you hypocrites; as it is written: These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. They worship me in vain; their teachings are merely human rules. You have let go of the commands of God and are holding on to human traditions.

John 13:34-35 NIV A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.

John 15:9-14 NIV As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command.

1 John 5:1-3 NLT Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ has become a child of God. And everyone who loves the Father loves his children, too. We know we love God’s children if we love God and obey his commandments. Loving God means keeping his commandments, and his commandments are not burdensome.

Psalms 119:1-4 NASB How blessed are those whose way is blameless, Who walk in the law of the Lord. How blessed are those who observe His testimonies, Who seek Him with all their heart. They also do no unrighteousness; They walk in His ways. You have ordained Your precepts, That we should keep them diligently.

Psalms 119:55-56 NLT I reflect at night on who you are, O Lord; therefore, I obey your instructions. This is how I spend my life: obeying your commandments.

Psalm 119:38-40 GNT Keep your promise to me, your servant— the promise you make to those who obey you. Save me from the insults I fear; how wonderful are your judgments! I want to obey your commands; give me new life, for you are righteous.

Proverbs 19:16 NLT Keep his commandments and keep your life; despising them leads to death.

Psalms 119:92-93 NLT If your instructions hadn’t sustained me with joy, I would have died in my misery. I will never forget your commandments, for by them you give me life.