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May 28, 2021

Pondering Obedience

May 28, 2021 by GINNY LUPKA OBEDIENCE Obedience
Pondering Obedience
“I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit–just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call–one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. But grace was given to each one of us according to the measure of Christ's gift.”
Ephesians 4:1-7
“And he answered, ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself.’”
Luke 10:27

One of the most challenging things for me in this current season of life is remembering that the primary thing required of me is to love the Lord with all of my heart, soul, strength, and mind, and then to love my neighbor as myself (Luke 10:27). I find myself caring more about what my neighbor thinks about me and my moral convictions than I care about what God thinks. Frankly, it’s easier to sense the disagreement or displeasure of people around me than to feel myself swerving away from holiness in the eyes of my Heavenly Father.


We all know obedience isn’t necessarily cute and it doesn’t win you any cool points. I remember feeling like an absolute social pariah when I was young and my parents wouldn’t let me see PG-13 rated movies at sleepovers, or like a stick in the mud when I couldn’t ride in the car with other teenage-friends at the wheel. (Now that I’m older, I can see the wisdom in these mandates, but that’s not the point here.) 


When looking to the Bible for guidance about obedience, it’s easily realized that the Bible never promises ease, bounty, ministry success, or rest in exchange for obedience. In fact, it guarantees the opposite. 


Paul’s writing in Ephesians 4:17 is convicting as he calls Christians to walk with humility, gentleness, and compassion, and to strive toward unity and peace above all else. We are called to represent Jesus to the world around us. We’re called to speak truth and point to the holiness of God. These words hit differently when we think about how Paul penned them as he was chained in a prison for preaching the Gospel. 


Whether we’re called to serve the Lord overseas or stateside, as a Bible teacher or fundraising global worker, ground-shaking leader or a pencil-pusher in a large corporation, we’re called to walk in holiness and peace, bringing our brothers and sisters together in light of the Gospel and grace we’ve been given. Whether I have a team leader who supports me or a team leader who makes me question my calling every day, I’m called to strive for humility and grace. Whether I’m above budget in my fundraising or panicking about next months’ rent, I’m supposed to embrace the hope that I’ve been called to. 


This is hard work and it makes me tired. However, this is the same work that points me to the cross and reminds me to pray for strength and endurance. Obedience may not be “cute,” but it brings us closer to Jesus, and helps us better reflect the holiness and perfect love of our Creator God.

Closing Prayer
Heavenly Father, please change our hearts to embrace and seek obedience to your Law and your Word. Help us to find comfort in obeying you and clinging to your holiness. Give us courage to honor you above all, even above friendships, popularity, success, and ease. Please forgive us when we follow our own desires instead of obeying you. Convict us quickly, Lord, and draw us closer to you. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Resources
Book: Mother to Son: Letters to a Black Boy on Identity and Hope by Jasmine L. Holmes This convicting, profound book primarily tackles conversations of race and identity and also addresses our required obedience as Christians to the Lord. In her chapter “You Are a Different Story,” I was deeply impacted by her reminder that our primary allegiance is to the Lord, not to our social circles, our political parties, or any other labels we find ourselves identifying with or being forced to carry. I cannot recommend this book enough.
Question for Reflection

What is your gut reaction when you ponder “obedience?” What should our perspective of Biblical obedience really be?

Comments
Ginny Lupka
May 28, 2021

I revert back to my teenage self when I think about obedience. Heels dug in, fiercely stubborn and self-righteous, quietly rebellious to the very end. Obedience sounds like a loss of independence. According to the Bible, however, obedience promises health and blessing. It does not promise independence, but it does guarantee freedom and eternal life. Obedience to the Lord should be where I feel safe and loved, not where I feel attacked and persecuted.