Introduction to the Scripture
The scripture for this exhortation comes from John 14:23, where Jesus says, “If a man loves Me, he will keep My words: and My Father will love him, and We will come unto him, and make Our abode with him.” When we read John chapter 14 in its full context, Jesus is preparing His disciples for the time when He will no longer be physically present with them. He comforts them, reassures them, promises the Helper (the Holy Spirit), and instructs them on what life as His followers should look like. One of the central expectations He emphasizes is obedience. Verse 23 is just one example among many where Jesus ties love directly to obedience.
What Walking in Obedience Entails
Walking in obedience to God involves several key components: it begins with hearing His Word and acting on it, not merely listening but responding. It requires aligning our will with His, choosing to do what He asks even when it is uncomfortable or inconvenient. It also means fully surrendering to His authority, allowing His Word to guide and shape our decisions and actions. Sometimes that obedience comes through the direct prompting of the Holy Spirit, but often God uses leaders, mentors, or spiritual authorities to give us counsel or correction that aligns with His will.
Throughout Scripture, from Abraham to Moses, Samuel to Mary, Peter to Paul, we see countless examples of men and women who walked in obedience and witnessed tremendous blessings because of it. Yet we also see that obedience can be one of the most challenging aspects of our walk with God, because we naturally lean on our own understanding, desires, and timing.
Personal Reflections on Obedience
This week, I personally faced several decisions about things I wanted to pursue. Some were not small or insignificant; a few had the potential to deeply shape my destiny and alter my future. Some carried spiritual consequences that would have affected me profoundly if I had proceeded. In the midst of this, I was reminded that obedience does not shape my life alone; it influences the lives of those connected to me. My choices in obedience can shift someone else's direction, encourage their faith, or even impact their destiny. Obedience is never isolated; its effects ripple far beyond us.
Obedience Is a Choice
Walking in obedience to God is always a choice. When we consider our future, we are often drawn to what feels right or seems logical in the moment. I remember earnestly praying about getting a vehicle. After traveling for 18 long years to and from work, I felt I had reached the point where I needed one. But God, speaking through a leader, instructed me to wait. I didn’t argue or question it, I simply obeyed. Later, I realized that I needed those finances for something far more important.
Many of us experience similar crossroads; we see an opportunity and think, “This must be God.” But true wisdom is not following every open door, it is following the doors God Himself opens. Obedience may be simple to speak about, but it requires trust, patience, and a heart fully submitted to God. And every act of obedience reveals the depth of our love for Him.
The Benefits of Obedience - and the Cost of Disobedience
There is so much that could be said about walking in obedience to God’s will. The benefits are countless; protection, guidance, favor, peace, provision, and spiritual growth. But there are also serious consequences to disobedience, even in small things. A minor compromise can lead to sin, and sin to deception; and when the truth eventually emerges, it results in shame, hurt, and unnecessary hardship. Disobedience, even in what we consider the “smallest matter,” can become very costly.
A Call to Make Obedience a Lifestyle
My fellow saints, God delights in obedience. He longs for us to obey Him, not occasionally or selectively but consistently, making obedience our daily lifestyle. He wants the very best for us and does not desire for us to be overwhelmed by the decisions we face. Sometimes God answers quickly and we sense His will immediately. Other times, He calls us to wait, listen, and trust Him to reveal the next step. We may not always receive a dramatic dream, a prophetic word, or a powerful sign. Sometimes the Holy Spirit speaks softly; a quiet yes or a gentle no. Our responsibility is simply to submit our decisions at His feet and trust His timing.
Final Encouragement
Walking in obedience to God is a journey that shapes our destiny. It molds our character, protects our future, and opens doors we could never open on our own. As you seek God’s will in your decisions, big or small, may you trust Him fully and lean on His wisdom rather than your own. I leave you with this timeless reminder from Proverbs 3:5-6: “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths.”
May this promise guide your steps and strengthen your resolve to walk in faithful obedience every day.
Author: Kimberly A.S. Williams
