The question of legalism tends to creep into the many facets of obedience within the Christian faith, particularly those of personal convictions. In an assignment I completed for a course in Missions, I reflected on my faith journey and started thinking about my grandmother. Growing up, my grandparents (also my pastors) were the bulk of my memories when experiencing the church community. When I was eighteen, I recall my grandmother sitting at her kitchen table in their old farmhouse and telling me that she had wanted to get a bag of her favorite candy at Aldi’s, and she thought better of it. She reasoned that God prompted her to reconsider the purchase. I can still remember thinking it was over the top and silly. If you want the bag of candy, then get the bag of candy- I thought. This memory had popped up randomly over the years, but I saw it in a different light for the first time.
I thought about what it is to be in an intimate relationship with Jesus. I thought of how Kathryn Kuhlman expressed to Oral Roberts University students that a life lived for Christ would cost them everything. The point is that picking up our cross and dying to ourselves means to live for Christ. Obedience is not in itself under the umbrella of legalism. Sometimes, this term is used within Christian circles when there are differences in personal convictions (e.g., participation in Halloween, engaging with specific genres of music or entertainment, and even service to the church). To the outside world, they label it religious- reading the Bible, going to church, praying over one’s meals, tithing, avoiding curse words, and often abstaining from or limiting alcohol use. However, these actions in themselves do not fully encompass acts of obedience.
Obedience can be a little like the game, Simon says. It is a matter of intentional listening and anticipating God’s response. He could tell you to take two steps forward, which seems sensible in man’s logic. But then he could ask you to go back five steps, maybe even to stand still. What?! Five steps! Lord, why? The principle is that you obey no matter what circumstance you are in when you hear His command. Often, it will be uncomfortable. Some things seem strange, and to be honest- obedience to God can be an isolating experience from fellow man. Our relationship with God is personal, so not everyone will know or understand why we do something a certain way. Do not worry; God has training courses set up for practice! Why does he do this? We can go back to the beginning with Adam and Eve, to the exodus and the exile in the Old Testament, and look at how God responds to our obedience or disobedience. We also know that when someone disobeys- as Adam and Eve did, it can affect a whole lot of everyone and everything.
This brings me back to my grandmother. I thought about a card she had given me in my late teens- early twenties in which she cited John 8:32 (KJV)- “ye shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free.” At the time, I sneered because I thought it was her way of judging me. However, today, I realize just how vital that scripture is. I thought about how she would get up in the early morning singing praises to God and praying in tongues. She disciplined herself to obedience. She would “strike a blow to her body and make it her slave” (1 Cor. 9:27 NIV) early to rise, even when she did not feel like it. 1 Samuel says that to obey is better than sacrifice (1 Samuel 15:22), but often obedience requires self-sacrifice.
During this reflection, the Lord impressed on my spirit, “Obedience is dimensional.” It permeates beyond the here and now like a stone tossed into a stream of water, creating numerous ripples. My grandmother has passed, but even when she was alive, she had no idea what she would do or say or what actions would become impactful in the lives of those around her. Our willingness to obey speaks to our intimacy level with him. Will we do what he asks, even if it seems like a shot in the dark? Will we bring our human logic that begs the question – “God, am I hearing you right?”- into submission to his omniscience? Our movement toward him, the “yes I will,” acknowledges his superiority and glorifies him.
The desire to please Him is a byproduct of our love for him. We love, honor, and worship Him with our obedience; this dimension impacts us personally. His word says that he will bless those who obey (Deut. 28:1-14). These blessings should not necessarily be the primary motivating factor; love should be. The understanding that there are blessings or curses to obeying or disobeying makes it a no-brainer, though, right?
Another dimension to obedience is our effect on others when we obey. The repercussions of disobedience can be generational. The Israelites wandered in the wilderness for their lack of trust, the catalyst to their disobedience. Children born during these forty years were born into the harsh reality of their parent’s actions rather than being born in the promised land. Disobedience eventually led to a people disenfranchised from their nation, scattered and subject to the customs of other nations. Our actions affect those around us positively and negatively in ways we may never see this side of heaven. The only assurance we have that the ripple effect we create will be good and worthwhile is through the practice of obedience.
As I wrestled with the Lord about beginning this blog, he reminded me of this piece I had written a few years ago under his guidance to write what he placed on my heart. Writing was an act of obedience at the time, but later, the directive changed to sharing. I followed God’s lead almost two years ago and created “Palms of Praise.” But would I step out in obedience? When God directs you to do something, he does not change his mind. He places an urgency in your spirit to move toward his plans and purposes. So, with eyes on Jesus, I hope this can speak to your heart today. Another dimension worth consideration is on the other side of heaven. Will he tell us well done, good and faithful servant (Matt. 25:23)? Will we know the fruits of our obedience? Will the ripples we created produce joy, knowing we did everything he set before us to accomplish his will?
Father, thank you for those who are reading this. I ask that you stir their hearts to obedience; whatever you are asking of them today, I pray that you will give them the courage and strength to act. Lord, bless them with a greater measure of faith, a trust that yields obedience. Lord, we know that we can trust you at all times. You are faithful. Lord, help each of us to understand that our obedience is dimensional, that it moves beyond ourselves and affects our families, communities, and our nation. Let us leave nothing undone that you have asked of us. Lord, help each of us to complete your perfect will. Father, we thank you and praise you for your wondrous work in our lives. In the mighty name of Jesus, Amen.