Childhood #6 – Learning Obedience
Were you a goodie two shoes, always trying to do the right thing by those around you? Or were you someone who pushed the boundaries—or perhaps did not even realise there were boundaries?
Obedience does not always come easily or naturally. For many of us, it can be a real struggle. I know I have found it so. Perhaps that is because obedience involves voluntarily aligning our will with the will of another.
Obedience to God—aligning ourselves with His commands and ways—leads to blessing and fullness of life. Disobedience, however, leads inevitably toward death and loss (Deuteronomy 30:11–20).
We choose obedience because we come to know that aligning ourselves with the will of our all-knowing, loving, and good heavenly Father is ultimately for our benefit. His will proves to be good, pleasing, and perfect (Romans 12:2). In the end, His ways are always best.
In the childhood stage of discipleship, we learn obedience much like children do. We begin to recognise right from wrong. We discover that obedience brings blessing, a clear conscience, and a sense of wholeness rather than inner brokenness. Obedience is learned through life’s experiences—the good, the bad, and especially the painful. It was said of Jesus that He “learned obedience from what he suffered” (Hebrews 5:8).
Obedience is often learned through consequences. If we trust our heavenly Father because He is good, accepting that His commands are true and just, we can spare ourselves many painful lessons. But when we choose to ignore His ways and suffer the consequences, we should not blame God for allowing us to reap what disobedience has sown.
Of course, not every hardship is the result of personal disobedience. We have an enemy, Satan, who seeks to steal, kill, and destroy (John 10:10).
Obedience to God is essential in discipleship. Our relationship with the Father is made possible through the saving work of Christ, and it should be motivated by love and expressed through obedience. Because God loves His children, He calls them to obey so that their relationship with Him may deepen and their wellbeing be protected.
And because God is perfect, we can trust that His commands—even when we do not fully understand them—are always given for our highest good. They are therefore worthy of wholehearted and willing obedience.
Reflection Questions
When you hear the word obedience, what emotions or thoughts rise within you?
In what areas of life do you find it hardest to align your will with God’s will?
Can you recall a time when obedience to God brought peace, blessing, or protection?
Have consequences ever taught you something important about God’s ways?
What step of obedience is God inviting you to take today?
Closing Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You that Your commands are not burdensome, but loving guidance for my life. Help me to trust Your heart even when I do not fully understand Your ways. Teach me to obey willingly, humbly, and wholeheartedly. Shape my character through every lesson and circumstance, and draw me deeper into relationship with You through faithful obedience. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Call to Action
Take a few quiet moments today and ask the Lord to reveal one area where He is calling you to greater obedience. Write it down, pray over it, and take one practical step this week to follow through in faith.
This blog was written by Richard Botta.
