OBEDIENCE

Definition:

Obedience is the quality or condition of being obedient; the act of obeying.

Brief Explanation:

When my children were young, in the last century, I used to tell them “remember, to obey is better than being sacrificed!”  Well, it worked for a while. Of course, children are to learn to obey their parents; wives are to show respect, but obedience is not required. We are to serve our employers according to the contract we work under and have agreed to, and we are to absolutely obey God and his word. It is in the first and last area where obedience is needed and is often problematic for people.

Many people come for counseling due to disobedience to God’s laws, or not understanding what God expects. For example, a man came for counseling due to his confusion over his choices in relationships. He was married, for over 20 years, but had a girlfriend that made him happier. His statement was, “doesn’t God want me to be happy?” My response surprised him when I emphatically stated, “No!  God is more interested in your holiness than your happiness.”

To obey is to follow what is right, based upon the rightness of the person making the demand. Parents do not have to be right all the time, but it is their right to expect their children to be obedient (up to age 12 or so, then they are to learn to honor their parents). God is always right; those who love him keep his commandments; even when it is difficult. Counselors, though empathetic with the situations of people, must continue to hold to biblical standards.

The Word of God:

Deuteronomy 11:26-28

“See, I am setting before you today a blessing and a curse: the blessing, if you listen to the commandments of the Lord you God, which I am commanding you today; and the curse, if you do not listen to the commandments of the Lord your God, but turn aside from the way which I am commanding you today, by following other gods which you have not known.”

Deuteronomy 27:10

“You shall write on the stones all the words of this law very distinctly.”

John 14:15,23

“If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.” Jesus answered and said to him, “If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our abode with him.”

1 John 5:3

“For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments; and His commandments are not burdensome.”