Are you really obedient?
When you hear the voice of God, or are confronted by scripture to make a change in an attitude, or action, do you do it quickly, without questioning?
When we come to a command in the Word of God, it is never something for us to ‘go get fixed’ while God waits, and when it’s ‘fixed’ we can come back to Him. God shows us, then helps us, with an area we need to renew our minds in, submit our flesh to, or, simply obey.
The tithe was this way for me. I had never been taught about the tithe before college. Once I heard the truth that God asks His people to tithe (give 10%) to my local church, and sow (an offering above the 10%) into His Kingdom, it was a no-brainer. I started tithing. I began to look for ways to be generous. I studied out the truth and the promises of the command.
It’s not always this easy, though. Fear and doubt love to work their way into what we heard God say.
Recognize the Lies that Tempt you to Disobey:
- “That wasn’t really God I heard.”
- “What He’s saying/asking really isn’t that big of a deal.”
- “I can’t do what He’s asking.”
There is also the subtle seduction that encourages us to ‘make up’ for disobeying in a way that is more comfortable than what God actually asked of us. This is sacrifice, born of the system of gaining acceptance through works, rather than obedience birthed from relationship and love. Jesus says that love and obedience go hand in hand! Love produces obedience. Obedience keeps us in and aware of God’s love!
If you love me, you will obey what I command. John 14:15
Whoever has my commands and obeys them, he is the one who loves me. John 14:21
If anyone loves me, he will obey my teaching. John 14:23
Why do you call me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say? Luke 6:46
For example, maybe you’ve said the following:
- “I can’t tithe now, but I will make sure to volunteer at the such-and-such church ministry next weekend!”
- “I know God wants me to forgive Susie, but I’ll just contribute to the kids mission trip instead.”
- “I will pray for that single mom instead of walking across the parking lot to give her some money.”
An enemy of obedience is fear:
- “What if God doesn’t come through like He said He would.”
- “What if people laugh, or I lose friends.”
- “What if I mess it up.”
I understand that these are real fears. But know this; the enemy is not laughing when you step out in obedience. He is not thinking, “look at that little, weak person trying to serve God. How pathetic!” An obedient, willing Christian, who loves God, and loves people is terrifying to him. The only access he has to you, the only way he can knock you off course, is by lying to you, whispering thoughts of fear, doubt, weakness, ‘what-ifs.’
The power that raised Christ Jesus from the dead is at work in you. The God who began a good work in you is faithful to complete it. When you step out in faith and obedience, you are not stepping out into an unknown. You are stepping out in and with Jesus.
You are beautiful. You are powerful. You can do all things through Christ who strengthens you. You have everything you need for life and godliness. You are seated in Christ at the right hand of the Father. You are on purpose, for a purpose. You being you, and walking with God in your destiny brings Him great joy.
Thanks for reading! Leave a comment and let me know you stopped by!
Annie
