Obedience – It’s Worth It

Posted on September 4, 2023 by Elizabeth Welte in Freedom Fighters

The word obedience came up in so many messages during our 2015 Summer Live Courageously conferences.

Our teens sure take a hit when it comes to disobedience. But one of the sad things that I have observed over the years, is that parents don’t realize how much we model disobedience to our kids.

We live in the 5^th largest senior community in the country and in the villages surrounding us, we learned that only the visitors have to stop at the stop signs. Stops signs are not for the residents. And we wonder why so many fender benders…

In 2015, the NJ law required anyone under the age of 17 to wear a helmet when riding a bike, skateboard, or scooter. We were challenged all summer by parents as to why we were asking their kids to obey the law.

I have shared this quote with you on a number of occasions from Pastor Tim Shorey: “Obedience is doing everything you are told to do IN THE RIGHT WAY (with the right heart attitude inwardly), RIGHT AWAY (immediately) and ALL THE WAY (do a complete job.)

Dr. Paul Tripp says, “for the believer, obedience is not a pain but a joy. Each act of obedience celebrates the grace that motivates and empowers it.”

 

He reminds us that sinners:

• Tend not to esteem authority
• Like to write their own rules
• Are good at convincing themselves that their wrongs are not that wrong
• Tend to believe in their own autonomy
• Tend to think that they are wiser than they are
• Tend to have a moral code that is formed more by their dreams than by God’s law
• Tend to crave what God has prohibited
• Tend to opt for short-term pleasure over long-term gain
• Tend to rebel rather than submit

 

Obedience is God’s way. There is great freedom when we obey, first of all, those things that God expects of us, and then when we submit to those who are in authority over us.

I like what Paul Tripp says:

“Smile when you obey; you are experiencing the riches of grace. Give thanks when you submit; you are being rescued by grace. Celebrate when you make the right choice; you are being transformed by grace. Sing for joy when you serve God’s purposes; you have just been given evidence of the presence of redeeming grace.” New Morning Mercies – Crossway

 

How are you doing in the area of obedience?

Are there areas right now where you need to submit to authority?

Are you modeling obedience for your children?

Think about it!

 

Anchored to the Rock,

Bill Welte, President/CEO

America’s Keswick

 

Written by Bill Welte: President/CEO of America’s Keswick: Bill has been married to his childhood sweetheart for 40+ years and has four married kids and 12 amazing grandkids. He loves music and is an avid reader.

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This Week’s Verse to Memorize:“For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, says the Lord: I will put My laws in their mind and write them on their hearts; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people.” Hebrews 8:10