Embrace Obedience
Author:
August 29, 2024
In a world that constantly urges us to “live our own truths” and “define our own paths” and “follow your heart,” the call to obedience that Jesus commands can seem both counter-cultural and challenging to our natural instincts. But, being a disciple of Jesus means following His perfect model, and continuously aligning our lives with His principles. Obedience to Jesus isn’t simply following a set of rules. It’s about entering into a transformative relationship with Jesus that reshapes our hearts and minds, and creates an overwhelming desire for obedience.
God’s call to obedience is rooted in His love for us and His desire for us to experience the abundant life that He designed. John 14:15 says, "If you love me, keep my commands." This command is not given out of a desire for control, but out of an understanding that Jesus’ ways are better. The word also says “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you” (Matthew 6:33). But, it’s important to understand what these things even entail. The Bible tells us that the Kingdom of God isn’t a matter of frivolous things, or things that may seem important to us, but of righteousness, peace, and joy. When we understand the outcome, we understand the importance of obedience.
The principles that Jesus models during His time on Earth – love, forgiveness, humility, serving, and community (just to name a few) – are designed to give us a roadmap for a life that reflects the character of Christ. When we obey these principles, we are not just following rules; we are seeking His kingdom.
One of the most profound examples is the command to love one another. In John 13:34, Jesus states, "A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another." This love is not merely an emotion but a deliberate choice to act in ways that honor and uplift others.
Practicing this kind of love means putting others needs before our own, showing kindness to those who may not deserve it, and forgiving those who have wronged us. It is a challenging principle, but it is one that transforms communities and relationships.
Forgiveness is another cornerstone of Jesus’ teachings. In Matthew, Peter asks Jesus how many times he should forgive someone who sins against him. Jesus responds, "I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times." This radical call to forgiveness challenges us to move beyond ourselves and to attempt to replicate the grace God has shown us.
Jesus also teaches us the importance of humility. In Matthew 23:12, He says, "For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted." Humility is the posture of recognizing our dependence on God and valuing others above ourselves. Living humbly involves serving others selflessly, as Jesus did when He washed His disciple’s feet.
So how do we actually live this out?
Obedience to Jesus' requires daily surrender and a willingness to let the Holy Spirit transform us from the inside out. The longer we strive to live according to these principles, the more freedom we find in Christ. What the world views as a burden, we can celebrate as a gift.
In Romans 12:2, Paul encourages us to "not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind." Let us embrace this call to action with joy, knowing that in following the model of Jesus, we are reflecting His love and grace to a world that so desperately needs it.
BACK