Obedience is Better than Sacrifice, part 4

Holiness Found in Obedience

As we turn our focus to the final point, we find ourselves standing on the precipice of a transformative understanding. This understanding is that holiness, the very essence of our spiritual aspiration is found in Obedience. Obedience to God’s commands, Obedience to His will, and Obedience to His divine plan for our lives.
 

The first thing to consider, is that Obedience is a choice. It is a decision we make every day, every moment to align our actions, words, and thoughts with the will of God. It is not a passive state of being but an active, dynamic process of choosing God’s way over our own. It’s about making the conscious decision to say, “Yes” to God, even when it’s difficult, even when it’s uncomfortable, even when it doesn’t seem to make sense and goes against our own desires or expectations.
 

In his book, “The Purpose Driven Life,” Rick Warren writes, “Obedience is not a lack of freedom; it is the key to it.” That statement is a powerful reminder that Obedience to God is not about restriction or limitation, but it is truly about freedom.   

It’s about finding freedom in the boundaries set by God, freedom in the structure and order of His divine plan, about understanding that true freedom is not found in doing whatever we want – or feels good at the moment, but in doing what is right, good, and pleasing to God. 

Obedience is a choice and Obedience is a relationship. It’s a relationship between each of us and God; one that is built on trust, love, and mutual respect. It’s about understanding that God’s commands are not arbitrary or impulsive, but they are rooted in His heart and love for us; in His desire for our well-being; and His perfect plan for our lives.
 

In the words of C.S. Lewis, “Obedience is the road to freedom, humility the road to pleasure, unity the road to personality.” Listen friends, Obedience is not a burden, it is a blessing; it’s not a chore, but a choice, and it is not an obligation, but an opportunity.
 

Obedience is a choice; Obedience is a relationship; and Obedience is a journey.  It is a journey that begins with a single step, a single decision to follow God’s commands, and then it continues with each subsequent step and decision. It is a journey that is marked by challenges and difficulties, by trials and tribulations, and I can testify that it is also one of victories and triumphs, of growth and transformation.

Continued tomorrow