As a Christian I have learned that the word obedience is a word that is packed with amazing blessings. Before I gave my heart to Jesus in 1981, the idea that obeying an invisible Supreme Being was nowhere on my radar. But once I accepted Christ, I slowly began to realize that obeying Jesus was the greatest decision I could ever make because of two main reasons. One, obedience to Christ is the only pathway to true freedom, and two, obedience to Christ is the surest way to glorify Jesus! Let’s look at these two reasons more closely:
Obedience – the only pathway to true freedom
I really like how Charles Kingsley describes what real freedom is like: “There are two freedoms – the false, where a man is free to do what he likes; the true, where he is free to do what he ought.”1 As Christians we are commanded to take up our cross and follow Christ. To follow Christ means to obey and abide in Him. When we do this Scripture tells us what we can expect: “Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, ‘If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.’” (John 8:31-32). My friends, only when we do what we “ought” can we receive the true blessings in life: real joy, abundant peace, and the knowledge that we are pleasing the Creator of the universe – Jesus Christ!
I also find that true freedom and obedience to Christ are in reality two sides of the same coin. Throughout the Bible we see that death to self allows us to experience the true freedom that comes from being alive in Christ. Obedience to the Word of God brings us into greater intimacy with Jesus, and that’s where we experience maximum freedom to enjoy life to the fullest. So, if you really want to be free, become a bondslave to Christ!
Obedience – the surest way to glorify Jesus
There is nothing more important in this life than to glorify Jesus by our thoughts and actions. Watchman Nee tells us that the best way to glorify the Lord is to grow spiritually, for this, I believe, greatly pleases Jesus. And according to Nee: “Spiritual advancement is measured by faithful obedience.”2 Having a heart of obedience to Christ means that all of our actions, to the best of our knowledge and ability, are centered on aligning our behavior with the will of God. And the exciting news is that when we do this we greatly glorify God! And I have, through experience, found that there is nothing in this world as satisfying as being able to glorify my Savior!
So, the next time you think of the word obedience to God realize it’s the pathway to true freedom and the key to glorifying Christ. And may I add a bonus motivation to obey Jesus: “You cannot obey God without your obedience spilling out in a blessing to all those around you.” – Adrian Rogers3
1 63 Quotes About Freedom | ChristianQuotes.info