Obedience Is Simple

Humanity's first sin began in the Garden of Eden, when they disobeyed God's command not to eat the fruit of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil (Genesis 2:16-17). As a result, humanity was driven out of the Garden of Eden, and had to toil for their needs, suffer pain in childbirth, and face death (Genesis 3:17-23).

Imagine it, the cause was that simple: because of disobedience, Adam and Eve could not live with God the Father!

What are the things that keep us from obeying God and His word?

Let us learn from Adam and Eve's mistake through the points about obedience below.

Twisting God's Word

The serpent said to the woman, "Did God really say, 'You must not eat from any tree in the garden'?" – Genesis 3:1b

After God said that humanity could eat the produce of the Garden of Eden, except for the fruit of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil (Genesis 2:16-17), the serpent, that is, the devil (Revelation 12:9), persuaded Eve to violate it. How? By twisting God's word. Sadly, Eve listened more to the voice of the devil than to the voice of God.

Twisting the word is a form of disobedience to God. When the word says we must forgive, we say, “No way! How could it be that easy? After all that he has done, I should just forgive him like that? No way!”

Another example, you are told not to smoke, not to consume alcohol or illegal drugs because they damage God's temple in your body (1 Corinthians 3:16). Yet, you insist, “I am me, not you. Don't judge me. God accepts me and was willing to die for me. Besides, the Bible doesn't specifically say smoking is forbidden. So, don't interfere with my life!”

Often we think that what we are doing is not twisting the word, because we believe that the Bible contains the words of God. Yet we try to defend ourselves, refuse to humbly accept the word, and refuse to change. Is that not the same as twisting the word, which in the end leads to destruction for ourselves?

In his letters there are some things hard to understand, which the ignorant and unstable twist to their own destruction, as they do the other Scriptures. – 2 Peter 3:16b

Justifying actions that do not align with God's will is the same as twisting His word. Learn to be humble, obedient, and willing to admit your mistakes and weaknesses. Listen to God's voice, and do not lend your ear to the voice of the devil.

He will repay each person according to what they have done … wrath and anger for those who are self-seeking, who do not obey the truth but obey unrighteousness. – Romans 2:6-8

Using Our Own Point of View

The woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also desirable for gaining wisdom. – Genesis 3:6a

When the serpent came to tempt her, in Eve's eyes the fruit looked pleasing and attractive, especially with the lure of gaining much knowledge. Temptation always seems too good to pass up.

Repenting from bad habits and becoming a better person is not an instant process. You need time and effort. Yet time keeps passing, and you still have not repented. In fact, everything can begin with a single decision.

When you make the decision to obey, your thoughts and feelings will automatically follow that decision. Simple, isn't it? So, do not let your feelings rule you, much less make decisions for your life.

If you use your own point of view, what happens is that you will fail to see God's plan—the best plan for your life. As human beings, our perspective is not always right. We can also be wrong.

So, if you choose to obey, though it is not easy and you must struggle intensely, do not use your own point of view. Trust in God's strength and His word, and you will surely be able to do it!

Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. – Proverbs 3:5

The Obedient Attitude God Desires

What kind of obedience does God desire from us?

1. Obeying All His Commands

"If you love Me, you will obey all My commands." – John 14-15

Loving God alone is not enough. He wants us to obey all His word, without picking and choosing verses. Many people claim to love God, but that does not necessarily mean they obey His commands.

2. Carrying Out His Commands

“Why do you call Me, 'Lord, Lord,' and do not do what I say?" – Luke 6:46

Those who believe in Jesus, who diligently pray and call on the name of the Lord, are not necessarily obedient people. Obedience is not limited to compliance, but also includes carrying out His commands.

The question is, can we do it?

For this is the love of God, that we obey His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome. – 1 John 5:3

The answer is yes. Because God's commands are neither impossible nor burdensome.

Then how can we be able to carry out God's commands?

Join a community that actively makes God's word the foundation of life and faith. Give yourself time to go deeper in His word, and ask for guidance from people who have successfully come through their struggles. If they can do it, then surely you can too, because they are not angels, but ordinary people just like you!

So, what are you waiting for? Obedience is simple, isn't it? Come on, let's learn to submit to God's commands starting today! - Church GKDI is currently in 35 cities. We have Bible Study activities in every area. If you need information or would like to get involved, contact us at contact Church GKDI Official: WhatsApp 0821 2285 8686 or Facebook / Instagram GKDI Official

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