The definition of obedience for our purposes here is, “Submitting our will to God’s will.”

Obedience is not about legalism (strict follow of the rules) but about love and trust in God.

Below five thoughts, attitudes and actions in the practice of obedience to God:

LISTEN: We must hear and understand what God is saying to us. This is primarily through reading his word, prayer and those few trusted individuals in our lives that help us follow Jesus.

John 14:15 – “If you love me, keep my commands.”

TRUST: Doing this when we don’t know the “why” behind happenings. Abraham did this when we was instructed to sacrifice his only, long awaited son. God spared him, but not before Abraham listened and obeyed.

James 1:22 – “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.”

ACTION: We are to take action when following God’s will, even when is it costly or inconvenient for us. Jesus did this in the Garden of Gethsemane. He sought out God’s will, listened then followed, or took action.

Luke 22:42 – “Not my will, but yours be done.”

FRUIT-BEARING Leads to spiritual growth and a deeper relationship with God. Obedience at times requires much of us. Just as an athlete works their body to strengthen it, God uses hard things in our lives to strengthen our character.

John 15:10-11 – “If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love… I have told you this so that my joy may be in you…”

LIFE-LONG: Sanctification is progressive throughout our lifetime through our continued obedience. God is gracious in our failures. He never leaves us. He provides the faith and strength we need for our lifetime.

Philippians 2:12-13 – “…continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you…”

Final thought: True obedience flows from a heart transformed by love and surrender.

In what area of your life is God asking for obedience today? What is standing in your way? Are you willing to ask God to remove this?