The Benefits of Obedience
The Benefits of Obedience
Do you find it hard to obey authority? Most of us, at one time or another, have found that obeying or submitting to authority can be a challenge to our desire to be in charge or can even seem like it is blocking our goals. But what about obeying God? If He knows and loves us best and always has our ‘good’ in mind, doesn’t it make sense that obeying Him may actually be a very beneficial thing to do?
As I researched this topic, I discovered that there are about 19 references to the concept of obedience in the Bible. Interestingly, most of those references have an element of benefit to us that comes from obeying God. First, Genesis 22:18 says, “. . . be blessed, because you have obeyed my voice.” Wow, that sounds like a promise from God, and we know that God always keeps His promises!
Second, Exodus 19:5 says, “. . . if you will indeed obey My voice and keep My covenant, then you shall be My own possession among the peoples, for all the earth is Mine.” Obedience ensures that we belong to God, which is great news to anyone wondering if God hears our prayers! A third benefit of obedience is that it pleases God, according to I Samuel 15:22, which says, “To obey is better than sacrifice.” Lastly, a surprising benefit of obeying God is found in I Peter 1:22, which states, “Since you have purified your souls in obedience to the truth for a sincere love of the brothers and sisters, fervently love one another from the heart.” God purifies us when we act in obedience to Him.
So, there you have it: 4 benefits derived by obeying God. When we are obedient, God promises to bless us, claim us as His possession, be pleased with us, and purify us. Those are benefits we all can make use of and rejoice in.
Let us Walk in His Way.
Dear Heavenly Father, You could have arranged things with us when You created us so that we had to obey, or ELSE!!! But You are a gracious and merciful God, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love, and You have chosen to cause our obedience to You to be greatly beneficial, as well as a command that You require us to follow by Your authority. I am touched by Your immeasurable generosity toward us. Please help us obey You so that it may go well with us.
In Jesus’ Name, we pray, Amen.
by Corinne “Kinney” deHamel
author of “Walk in His Way” for
Carry the Light Ministries
