“But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.” James 1:22
REFERENCE:
Obedience is of great value before God. It endeared Abraham to God because he promptly acted whenever God spoke to him. It is good to read, study, or listen to the word of God, but it profits us nothing if we do not do what it says. James counsels, “Be doers of the word.”
Nothing substitutes obedience in the eyes of God, not giving, singing, dancing, charity, etc. If a man wants to please God, let him tremble at His word, acting on what he hears or reads. Naaman (II Kings 5:9-12) would rather make religious sacrifices than obey God’s simple instruction to go and dip seven times in the Jordan river. Sadly, many believers are like Naaman.
God spoke to you about financial commitment to your local church. He instructed you about treating your spouse with kindness. He told you about that person you should call and forgive. Obey Him, and you will have peace and escape the dire consequences of disobedience. Disobedience is satan’s strategy to keep you from experiencing a better life and keep you longer in an unpleasant situation.
Disobedience to the Word of God is often at the root of life’s failures. On the contrary, he who goes on errands of obedience will receive the reward of obedience. When the servants obeyed Jesus’ instruction to fill waterpots with water, they saved an embarrassing situation at the wedding in Cana. Job prayed for his friends in obedience to God, and his fortune was restored. Obedience moved Peter from frustration to a financial breakthrough in his business.
Obedience to God prompts Him to make disobedient situations in your life turn around for your good. (II Corinthians 10:6). Difficult things suddenly find resolution simply because obedience is blessed by God. To maintain a life of winning, seek what God is saying and obey it. He will never demand you to do what He has not enabled you to do. Know this! The factory that produces every miracle is obedience to divine instructions. Be doers of the word.
PHOTO QUOTE:
ADDITIONAL TEXTS:
Genesis 26:1-6, Luke 5:4-8, and Luke 6:46-49.
REFLECTION
- Can you identify areas of your life where you find it hard to walk in obedience?
- Outline adjustments you will make for obedience to become an easy practice.
PRAYER:
+ Lord, I ask for grace to be willing and obedient. Please be at work in me, both to will and to do of Your good pleasure. In Jesus’ name.
