Does the word “obedience” conjure a negative vibe in you? Not many people relish in being told what to do, but imagine what your world would be like if nobody was obedient. From dogs not bringing back a stick, to cars crashing into each other, to out of control violence – chaos would reign. Ugh, it's disturbing to think of a world like this. Doesn't this make obedience a quality pleasing to God? If you lack in obedience, shouldn't you be seeking restoration? God thinks so and, in today's verse, doesn't hesitate to express it.

‍

Since God desires companionship with you, everything He's done since Genesis 1:1 is to give you the opportunity to be obedient to Him. To do that, God blessed you with free will. You have the ability to be obedient to God or to reject Him. If you choose obedience, God promises life with Him now and for eternity. If you reject God, He promises eternal life without Him.

‍

Through obedience, life with God is based on love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, gentleness, goodness, self-control (i.e. perfect order). Without obedience, life without God entails none of the above (i.e. devastating chaos). Death would be a welcome escape, but since you are created as an eternal being, death will never come.

‍

Though God created you, He didn't hard-wire you to be obedient to Him. With His blessing, you get to choose whether to abide by His commandments or not. If you think obeying God's law is too complicated, be encouraged, through Jesus He's simplified the law immensely:

‍

“Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?”

‍

Jesus replied: “’Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments” (Matt. 22:36-39).

‍

And, lest obeying God's commandments sounds too burdensome, take heart, through Jesus, God has paved the way for you. As Matthew writes:

‍

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light” (Matt. 11:28-30).

‍

You have something more pleasing to God than the enticing smell of burnt offerings and sacrifices, even more enticing than worship: obedience. For as Samuel proclaims, “... to heed is better than the fat of rams.”

‍

Through obedience, you prove your love for the Father:

‍

“In fact, this is love for God: to keep his commands. And his commands are not burdensome,” (1 John 5:3).

‍

Through obedience you glorify the Father:

‍

“Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us” (1 Pet. 2:12).

To God, your obedience is more pleasing than the fragrant aroma of burnt offering. Pray that He will strengthen this blessed quality in you. Only through your participation can your restoration occur, a restoration which prepares you for eternal life with your loving Father.

‍

Father, I confess to you that my pride has interfered with the obedience you desire for me. Please forgive me. You know what's best for me so much more than I do. Strengthen me to abide by your will and restore me to the life you have prepared for me. Amen.