Now then, if you will indeed obey My voice and keep My covenant, then you shall be My own possession among all the peoples, for all the earth is Mine

Exodus 19:5

Obedience to God can be a challenge, especially with all the temptations and distractions of the world. In the modern age, we have far more distractions than those before us. Today we have televisions, smartphones, the internet and other means to fill the void of free time. I am not saying that it was easier to obey God in times past. However, we have more opportunities in this age to distract ourselves from thinking about God and drawing near to him. It is very important that we find time each day to read our Bible and pray.

According to a 2018 article by The Guardian the average person in the UK spends around 12 hours a week watching TV and around 17 hours on their smartphones. There is nothing wrong or sinful in using such products. However, think about all those hours spent on something other than your relationship to God. Remember that obedience to God is essential to pleasing Him.

When God commands us to obey him it is always for a good reason. God is not interested in ruling over us like an evil dictator, but as a loving Father. The commands of God are to protect us from sin and to experience greater and deeper happiness and contentment in life. Our faithfulness to God is for our own good. When we choose to obey God we take the way of wisdom and truth. We grow in our love for God and thus draw nearer to Him.

On the other hand in disobedience, we declare that we know better than God. Satan did this in the Garden of Eden with Adam and Eve. Satan tempted them with disobedience and told them they are better off in disobedience to God. The effects of disobedience and its consequences are deeply damaging. In disobedience, we feel guilt and shame. Walking in defiance of God leads to broken lives, destroyed marriages, and damaged friendships and relationships. The goal of the devil is to disrupt our lives by causing us to disobey God. We lose our peace in the Lord in disobedience. It was disobedience that brought sin into the world and all its woe. Let me be clear I am not teaching Christian Hedonism, the belief that God is most glorified when people are most satisfied in him. Although it is true that God created people to be naturally happy, it is not true that God is most glorified when we are most satisfied in him. God is most glorified when we obey Him and walk in faithfulness to Him. Our joy comes from walking in obedience, not from being satisfied in Him.

Obedience to God is for our protection. God’s commandments are not given to control and condemn us. They are given so we can experience life to the full. Our purpose in life as Christians is to glorify and enjoy God. We do this by walking in obedience to Him. There is great freedom and joy in following God’s commandments. We shall never be without sin in this present body and world, but we shall by God’s grace grow in faith and obedience to Him.

“As obedient children, do not be conformed to the former lusts which were yours in your ignorance, but like the Holy One who called you, be holy yourselves also in all your behavior.”

1 Peter 1:14-15.