By: Pam Otto
One of the first devotional books I read as a young believer contained a quote that has stayed with me for decades: "Obedience is the highest form of worship." This profound quote comes from Oswald Chambers' devotional classic "My Utmost for His Highest."
I think this resonated with me because I've always had the desire to obey God, but have found it rather easy to go my own way, do my own thing, make my own plan and follow my own rules. Anyone else?
Throughout Scripture, God calls us to obedience:
“‘If you love me, obey my commandments’” (John 14:15).
“The LORD watches over those who obey him” (Psalm 33:18).
“Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right” (Ephesians 6:1-3).
“Love the LORD your God. Obey his orders, rules, laws and commands” (Deuteronomy 11:1).
So why does obedience seem so hard?
I think back to childhood and wonder why some kids couldn't obey the teacher and often challenged the rules. I remember the consequences of disobeying my parents as a teenager and know now it may have been easier to obey!
Even as a parent, I watched my darling little children deliberately choose to disobey—at the young age of two!
Our flesh, at its core, is rebellious. Wouldn't you agree?
Whether it's parents, an employer, a spouse or even God, we often feel frustrated when asked to do something difficult or uncomfortable. We may become defensive, making excuses for why God's direction isn't convenient or the best option.
If we want to honor God with our lives and show Him that our love for Him runs deep, then obeying Him and His plan is the best way to do so. Thankfully, God is in the business of equipping us by changing hearts and renewing minds!
When we decide to walk closely with God and allow Him to be the decision-maker in our lives, He promises to show up and lead us along the way in the big and the small. He promises to direct us, guide us, lead us, provide a way for us and make His plan known.
When my kids were younger and there were numerous decisions to make regarding their futures, I often prayed Isaiah 30:21 over them and trusted that God would give them obedient hearts and minds.
Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, “This is the way, walk in it.”
Isaiah. 30:21
God promises that He will clearly show us the way to go. We don't have to wonder what obedience looks like or question if God will reveal what is right from wrong. We will find these answers when we stay close to His Word and follow His ways.