A Biblical Perspective of Obedience

Most people in the family of faith learn the importance and blessing of obeying the Most High. Those who choose to disobey lose out on the Father’s blessings or face devastating consequences. Some people in the Bible thought they could ignore or manipulate the Most High commands. However, one person who stands out for his unquestioning obedience is our patriarch Abraham.

In Genesis 12, the Bible says:

“The LORD had said to Abram, ‘Leave your country, your people and your father’s household and go to the land I will show you. I will make you into a great nation and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing.'” (Genesis 12:1-2)

Abraham could have chosen not to heed God’s command. He came from a very wealthy family; his father was a prime minister in the Kingdom of Babylon, and he lacked nothing in Haran. But he decided to obey the Most High’s command and move to where he was told to go. Through his obedience, God called him His friend:

“And the scripture was fulfilled that says, ‘Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness,’ and he was called God’s friend.” (James 2:23)

Because of his obedience, God blessed Abraham with a son, Isaac, fulfilling the promise that Abraham would be the father of nations.

“But Samuel replied, ‘What is more pleasing to the LORD: your burnt offerings and sacrifices or your obedience to his voice? Listen! Obedience is better than sacrifice, and submission is better than offering the fat of rams.'” (1 Samuel 15:22)

The principle conveyed by “Obedience is better than sacrifice” emphasizes the importance of a heart willing to submit and obey God’s will. Outward religious acts, even if they involve sacrifices, are not sufficient without genuine obedience and alignment with God’s commands. Jesus condemned the Pharisees for their show of religious activities:

“Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 6:1)

Various offerings are not bad, but when good works or spiritual disciplines are done while disobeying God’s direct commands or to gain others’ approval, our sacrifices are a sham.

The importance of obedience to God is outlined in these key principles throughout Scripture:

God’s Sovereignty:
God is the ultimate authority and sovereign ruler of the universe. Obedience to God is a recognition of His supreme authority over creation and submission to His will.

“For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him.” (Colossians 1:16)

Spiritual Growth:
Obedience is linked to a deeper connection with Christ. By following God’s guidance, individuals may experience a sense of purpose, fulfillment, and a closer relationship with Him.

“Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do.” (James 1:22-25)

Divine Plan:
Believers trust that God’s commands and guidance are based on infinite wisdom and a larger divine plan. Obedience acknowledges that God’s knowledge surpasses human understanding and His guidance is for humanity’s ultimate benefit.

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (Jeremiah 29:11)

Obedience is evidence of salvation because love for Most High requires us to obey Him. While believers may struggle with obedience, they can take heart in Christ’s work on their behalf. Messiah fulfilled the obedience we owe to the Father’s, and as we are increasingly conformed to Christ’s image, our desire to obey the Father will likely increase.