Obedience.
It’s such a big word. A weighty word. A word with significant responsibility attached to it.
If I’m being honest with you, I’ve not always been quick in my obedience to the Lord. I know deep down that His way is always best, yet sometimes I am slow to put into action that truth that I believe.
Perhaps it’s just me. Are you ever slow to obey what you know the Lord wants you to do?
Jesus spoke of others with this same malady.
In the parable of the talents, the master entrusted 5 talents to one servant, 2 talents to another servant, and 1 talent to a third servant. Scripture said he entrusted these talents to the servants according to their abilities.
When the servant with 5 talents returned 5 additional talents, the master was pleased, as he was with the servant who was entrusted 2 talents and returned with 2 more. Yet when the servant who had been given only one talent returned, the master grew angry to learn that rather than using the talent he had been given, the servant dug a hole and put it in the ground.
This story makes me wonder how God views me and my obedience in stewarding what He has given me.
As the parable goes, each servant was given his allotted amount based on his abilities. I wonder if the man with only one talent was predicted to poorly utilize his resources based on his prior performance? In mental health they say that the best predictor of future behavior is one’s past behavior. Could it be that the master didn’t entrust the servant with more because his past behavior suggested he would be a poor risk?
Oh how that would grieve me to think that God was not moving me along in my calling, or on my particular life journey because He couldn’t trust me to do the best with what He gives me.
What have my past actions predicted that my future actions will be? Are they pleasing in His sight?
Am I willing to speak about the goodness of God to the store clerk He puts in my path, or will I check my watch and hurry on to my next task?
Will I think before I speak, be slow to anger and quick to listen when my child doesn’t obey or will my frustration from the day erupt at his heart when he tries to explain?
Will I speak the truth in love and let grace abound when I see a friend headed down the wrong path, or will I remain quiet in an effort to not rock the boat?
Scripture says that the servant with one talent judged the master’s behavior and intentions. I had to examine my own reasons for being slow to obedience. At times, my behavior implied that rather than trusting that my Father’s plan for me was good and not to harm me, I acted in a way that suggested I believed my way was best.
Yet just as in the story of the master and the three servants, what the master entrusted to them and what God entrusts to us is God’s. It is not ours to decide with what we will do. It is God’s and as such, it really doesn’t allow for us to insert our own preferences.
When God asked me to write a book, I quickly agreed. When He told me, however, that I needed to tell my own story, I was slower and more reticent to agree with enthusiasm. Yet the truth of it is, my story is only what it is because of what He has done for me. As such, it’s not really an option for me to not share with whomever He leads.
Scripture also says that the man with one talent acted as he did out of fear. How many times are we slow to obey because of fear?
There have been numerous times when the Lord has prompted me to do something, or talk to someone, but fear held me back: Fear of failure. Fear of rejection. Fear of looking or sounding foolish. Yet God is faithful. When He calls us to something, He also provides the means through it. Even in sharing my own story I faced each of those fears. Obedience to His request would require faith in God’s goodness and provision greater than my fears stemming from my own inadequacies.
The servants who were entrusted two talents and five talents were both told “Well done.” There is nothing I desire more than to hear “Well done.” The quicker I am to obey, the sooner I will hear his words of affirmation. I must guard against burying what He entrusts to me in the sand and the wondering why He doesn’t trust me more.
What is he entrusting to you today?
I love the statement, “The quicker I am to obey, the sooner I will hear His words, “Well done.” 🙂 I pray that I will obey God each and every moment.
Melissa, that is my prayer as well. I’m grateful He looks at our heart and knows our desires! Because of Him, #HopePrevails!
A very good word on a difficult subject for many of us – obedience! God can plant an idea or a vision and then He stands back to see what we do with it. Do we use and nurture it or do we bury it with excuses amongst the obstacles? Obedience requires discipline – a stick to it no matter what. I have been in this very season for the last year, so I greatly appreciate your timely encouragement!
He gives us opportunity after opportunity to practice such obedience. It’s my prayer that I get quicker and quicker in my obedience to Him, for in doing so, my joy and intimacy in Him will grow more quickly as well! Because of Him, #HopePrevails!
I had a conversation with my 10 year old granddaughter the other day. She was being disrespectful and dis-obedient to her mom and step dad. I spoke to her calmly, and explained to her that out of love and respect for her parents, she as a child must learn to obey. After things calmed down, and they left, I was replaying our conversation in my mind. It then hit me that I have a Father in Heaven that I need to obey and not disrespect, no matter what! Even when He wants me to do something that I do not want to do, I must do it, because He is my Father, and I am His daughter! Thank you for this post today! I am going to forward it to my daughter, and have her read it to my granddaughter! 🙂 ❤ #HopePrevails
It’s so easy to look at the negative side of obedience, because it’s hard. But when God asks us to obey, it’s always because He loves us and what He wants for us is good BECAUSE we are His child. If He didn’t love us as His child, He wouldn’t care what we did. For me, that makes it easier to obey, and maybe for you precious granddaughter too 😉 Sending hope your way!
The best example of quick obedience in my own life is a very emotionally painful season I went through when my kids were little (they are grown and I am a grandma now). The emotional pain—and some physical pain, too—had gone one for so long and was so intense for me that I just wanted it to end. And I couldn’t make end, no matter how hard I tried. I began thinking of a more permanent end, at my own hands. I thought about it a lot. Thinking about it became a sort of panacea, a habitual place to go in my head, away from the pain. As much as I thought about it, though, I knew I could never leave my two young children alone in that situation. I couldn’t do that to them.
It was during that time that the Lord spoke to me about that ideation not being pleasing to Him. He dealt with me about my lack of trust, about my fears, and invited me to bring my pain to Him. He also made it clear in no uncertain terms that those thoughts were not from Him and I was to take them captive in obedience and give my thoughts to Him. My way was not working well for me, so I agreed.
But the thoughts returned, habitual as they were. And my Lord was faithful to tap me on the shoulder and remind me that I was doing it again. At that point, I had a choice. I could go to my new Plan A (God’s choice, which for me at that time was a short list of favorite gospel hymns that spoke of God’s love for me) or I could stay with Plan B (my old choice).
What I learned about obedience through that experience was the importance of the amount of time between that “tap on the shoulder” and my choice to obey. If I obeyed immediately, the amount of time before the old Plan B thoughts returned to my head was lengthened, and the intensity of those thoughts was reduced. If I delayed my obedience, the old thoughts came back more frequently, with greater strength. As I began to practice that quick obedience to taking my thoughts captive like that, the enemy eventually gave up that tactic with me. Oh sure, he’s tried it again a few times since then, but I recognize for what it is now.
In my walk with the Lord, there is always another lesson in the steps ahead where that same principle of quick obedience will apply.
Mary Lee, your testimony gives a beautiful example of the importance of quick obedience. The longer we take to come to obedience to Him, the longer we suffer in tormenting thoughts, guilt, condemnation, and shame. Those are never from our loving Father. He only wants what is best for us, and our quick obedience brings His peace and loving reassurance, but it almost always requires trust and faith as we obediently take a step into what feels like the dark where He is waiting to take our hand and walk along side us. But we can be assured that where He is, #HopePrevails!
Amen!
Thank you for sharing such an edifying post.
I was convicted when you stated, “At times, my behavior implied that rather than trusting that my Father’s plan for me was good and not to harm me, I acted in a way that suggested I believed my way was best.”
I do this much too often…
I loved your insights comparing our lack of obeying quickly to the story of the 5 talents. It really brought to light how my disobedience is not only hurting me, but most especially the Kingdom.
Karen, I only share from what I have learned. When others can see themselves in the words, that is just a bonus. I’m repeatedly reminded how our obedience is meant for our good–not that we would be slaves but to live as joint heirs appreciating all good things He has for us. Oh that I would be quick to obey! Because of Him, #Hope Prevails!
Quick obedience is such a challenge for me – especially when God asks the big stuff, the scary stuff. I know He’ll provide, but so hard to take those big steps without hesitation. So excited for your big step of obedience writing your story – can’t wait to read it!
Kathryn, you are not alone. It’s a challenge for me. But the truth is obedience is just plain hard, but the quicker I am to obey, the easier it gets to trust Him for next time. For obedience to God always comes back to whether or not we trust Him. Because of Him, #HopePrevails!
I think how quickly Abraham obeyed and put Isaac on that altar. Would that I were as fast with our kids! I wonder what Sarah was thinking?
I think whatever we idolize, hinders our obedience. God is so faithful to test us to show the truth condition of our heart. I want to be quick to obey, just as Abraham was. AFTER the fact Sarah was probably thinking, if only he’d be that quick to gather firewood when I ask 😉
Quick obedience – what a beautiful topic to write about and one that I, unfortunately, often choose to ignore! As a perfectionist, it is all too easy to choose my own path. I think my way is better because it’s planned, scheduled, and “perfect”. Yet, in the times when I trusted God with His plan, my life has been more beautiful and blessed than I could imagine.
It is sweet to understand that obedience doesn’t have to be difficult or painful. It can be rewarding and a huge blessing.
I found you via the Women with Intention linkup & I’m glad I did! Thanks for writing so beautifully about a topic that is easier to pass over than study. 🙂
Alison, as one reforming perfectionist to another, I have to remember that even though my way is planned, scheduled, and “perfect,” God’s way was planned, scheduled and perfected even before mine so I can trust Him to know what is best. We choose whether obedience will be painful or rewarding. It’s all a matter of trusting Him to have our very best in mind. Because of Him, #HopePrevails!
I’ve heard somewhere that even delayed obedience is disobedience…oh how I pray to be obedient more quickly! I will admit fear is probably the biggest thing that causes my delay.. and maybe eventually my demise!? All glory to God who so quickly and lovingly administers grace to sinners like me. I’m grateful everyday that his promises prevail. ♥ Visiting from Holley’s today
Yes, Heather, delayed obedience is the same as disobedience because both still tell God “I don’t trust you, so I’ll just trust myself instead.” They both just wreak of pride. There…that ugly word…Will we just trust that He only asks us to do what is best for us, and be quick to do it so we can enjoy His presence and blessing? I’m on the learning journey right with you! Because of Him, #HopePrevails!
Love this. Thank you for sharing. Sometimes we think we are obeying, but when we really examine our hearts – we find we aren’t. God is a searcher of hearts….and He will guide us to obedience. We must take the step!
Sarah (www.sarahefrazer.com) Visiting from Women with Intention Link-up
Sarah, you’ve hit the nail on the head…our obedience comes down to the condition of our hearts. We must first have a surrendered heart. He knows our heart, and He longs for us to be a cheerful giver, and a cheerful obeyer! Still working on that here! Because of Him, #HopePrevails!
Thank you for sharing these wonderful thoughts on obedience to our Father. And, thank you for your wonderful personal applications. From #JoyHopeLive
My pleasure Kathleen. Glad you visited today! Blessings.
My dear Dr. Michelle, what a JOY to visit you and read your encouraging posts. I must say that while away from my blog I truly missed your writings.
I hope you are well and enjoying the Christmas season. It’s hard to believe Christmas day is in three short weeks!
As I read your words I was reminded of a song I sang at camp and VBS when I was a young girl…. O-B-E-D-I-E-N-C-E…obedience is the very best way to show that you believe 🙂 How I hope and pray I will obey my Lord immediately. I loved the quote you shared at the end….SO TRUE!
Thanks for sharing with Roses of Inspiration. It’s always a joy to have you at the party. Blessings!
Sweet Stephanie, I’ve missed seeing you here! Together, let’s pursue quick obedience and enjoy the pleasure in our Father’s face as He looks on us saying “Well done.” #HopePrevails!
Michelle, when I counsel children, I frequently quote Ginger Hubbard when she said we should “obey all the way, right away, with a happy heart.” But I wonder how often we adults take the same command to heart! Thanks for linking at Mondays @ Soul Survival. Blessings!
Donna, what an appropriate admonition for all of us, and an easy way to remember. We can do it the easy way or the hard way, but when it comes right down to it, He’s going to wait on us to do it, just like we as parents do with our children.