Obedience is the very best way to show that you believe.
O-B-E-D-I-E-N-C-E
Obedience is the very best way to show that you believe.
I learned this song in elementary school. Not only is it a cute song; it is a brilliant way to teach little ones to spell a big word.
As a kid I thought it was just a ploy to get kids to do what they were told. My skepticism has since been resolved by scripture, namely the words of Christ, God’s commands and covenant with Israel in the old testament, and the lives of the faithful throughout the Bible.
Jesus said to His disciples in John 14:15, “If you love me, keep my commandments.” God echoes this sentiment so many times throughout the Bible. Obedience is a big deal to God. It is linked to punishment (Psalm 89:30-31), the (quality and length) thriving and sustaining of one’s life and the life of future generations (Proverbs 3:1-2; Deut. 5:9-10). In addition, obedience is a consequence or evidence of one’s love and reverence for, and commitment to the Lord.
An example of this that fascinates me is found in 1 Chronicles 21. David does something random and stupid, something the Lord never instructed him to do. Verse 1 of the chapter tells us that David was actually motivated by Satan! The result? “God was displeased and struck all of Israel”. All? Not just David? David was shook and repented immediately, yet God still insisted on punishment for David’s actions. Plot twist: God gave David options. David’s choice demonstrates his heart for, intimacy with, and knowledge of the Almighty. “I am in great distress; please let me fall into the hands of the Lord, for His mercies are very great; but do not let me fall into the hand of man” (verse 13). Wow. Wait, there’s more. After submitting to God’s judgement on behalf of his house and all of Israel, God relents midway, and David petitions God to make David and his house the target of punishment. God has very specific instructions for David. How David obeys and expresses his understanding of the situation and his responsibility as a servant of the Lord and leader of a nation challenges me.
After moving to obey God, David is offered the means to obey for free and he rejects it, stating, “Give me the site of this threshing floor, so that I may build an altar on it to the Lord. You shall charge me the full price for it, so that the plague may be averted from the people…No, I will certainly pay the full price; for I will not take what is yours for the Lord, nor offer a burnt offering which costs me nothing.” David could have received Ornan’s offer as a blessing from the Lord. True obedience is complete. It does not seem to be actual obedience if we are seeking to avoid inconvenience or loss. Does our love, referential fear and trust toward the God of Heaven require our obedience? When I make decisions that inevitably affect my family, especially my children, am I prone to be momentarily grieved only to shrug it off because “kids are resilient”? Or do I understand my responsibility as a servant of the Lord and leader of littles to repent, watch for the Lord, and respond like David, submitted, obedient and open to retribution? Do I believe God? Do I know or have I experienced God’s goodness, justice, and glory to trust? Do you? Build the altar. Make the sacrifice. ‘Tis the only way.
—Anyah E. R. White
