Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams” (1 Sam. 15:22).
One of the greatest lessons in life that we all need to learn, is the lesson of obedience. From Genesis to Revelation we see that the whole duty of man has and will always be to fear God and obey his commandments ( Ecclesiastes 12:13-14). We must choose to obey God, both in this fast, and in life. But the question that is commonly asked is: How? How do I obey God? When history has shown that people struggle to morally comply with God’s commands.
The first thing that you need to know about ‘how’ you can obey God? is that you must understand the ‘why’ you must obey God? The why? question, precedes the how? For this reason, here are 6 keys that outline why we are called to obey God.
We are called to obey God:
- So that we can be like him ( Genesis 1:26)
- Love him ( 1 John 5:2-3)
- Worship him ( Psalms 86:8-10)
- Glorify him ( Hebrews 13:20-21)
- Serve him ( James 2:26)
- Mature in his image and likeness ( Romans 8:14-16)
It is founded upon the principle of our existence in Christ that we begin to see that we need to obey God in order to express his life. God is the giver of life and life is all about God (Job 33:4, John 3:16, John 1:3-4). Our existence here on earth is because of God’s will for us to reflect his likeness and connect intimately with Him. It is based upon this statement that we should desire to live an obedient life in Jesus Christ before God. So, here are 10 things you can do to help you respond in obedience to God’s commands:
1. Be born again. Your spirit must be regenerated by God. (John 3:3-5)
2. Choose to obey. Obedience is a choice. (Romans 6:16)
3. Prioritise God. Put God first by allowing Holy Spirit to take charge of your thoughts (2 Corinthians 10:5)
4. Love God, so that you can love others. Jesus said that these acts are the two greatest commandments and by doing them you will be walking in obedience to the Lord. Matthew 22:37-39
5. Know who God is: When you reflect upon who God is and what he has done for you, you will recognise his love for you and his desire that you reciprocate his love in obedience to his commands
6. Fear God. The fear of God will cause you to refrain from sinning against him ( Isaiah 50:10)
7. Be doers of the word, not just hearers. Obedience requires a believer to act on the right information received by faith.
8. Obey God in the Right Way. Do not be over familiar with the presence of God. Revere him always.
9. Obey God, not man. This includes obeying the voice of God speaking through his appointed vessels ( Acts 5:29).
10. Hear the word of God and act upon it. (Romans 10:17).
Today in this fast, God wants you to answer his call in obedience. The question you should ask yourself is: Will you?
Scriptures to meditate upon:
Exodus 15:11
“Who is like you, O Lord, among the gods? Who is like you, majestic in holiness, awesome in glorious deeds, doing wonders?
Leviticus 20:26
You shall be holy to me, for I the Lord am holy and have separated you from the peoples, that you should be mine.
2 Corinthians 7:1
Since we have these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from every defilement of body and spirit, bringing holiness to completion in the fear of God.
Let us pray
Lord, today I chose to align my will to your will; and submit myself to do all that you have asked me to do in this fast. I completely surrender to your authority and base my decisions and my actions on your word, in Jesus name.
Amen
For further reading read Matthew chapter 1-3.