He Who Believes is Obedient

"Only he who believes is obedient and only he who is obedient believes."  -Dietrich Bonhoeffer

I can remember several times (although I'm pretty sure it was a lot more) as a child when I was told not to do something by an authority figure, usually my mother or father. Oh, there were a number of reasons given as to why I shouldn't cross the line. But, curiosity or rebellion would win out. This, for the most part, didn't end well for me.

A lot has been said and written about obedience and disobedience. I won't try to tackle this subject in great depth here today. I just want to briefly discuss the tie-in between obedience/disobedience and belief/unbelief as it pertains to our relationship with God.

The Bible has lots to say about this topic. And why not? After all, most of our troubles with God are based on how we conduct ourselves with Him. From the very beginning, starting with Adam and Eve, we tested our relationship with Him. And, it's been up and down ever since.

Let's clarify this connection between obedience and disobedience; belief and disbelief. First, obedience is the rational acceptance of the authority and will of God. Simply put, we submit to Him, and express that submission in our actions, words, and thoughts (Deuteronomy 11:26-28).

In order to be in agreement with God we must be obedient to him. It won't work any other way. As an added bonus, to be in agreement with God is to be in a position of power in Christ (John 14:15,21). Secondly, the cause of disobedience is rebellion and distrust of God. To be disobedient is to acquiesce‎ to self-will rather than surrendering to God and wanting His will in everything (1 Samuel 15:22,23).

Now, as to the bond between obedience/disobedience and belief/unbelief, I like how 19th century English minister, Alexander Maclaren illustrates it, he said: "Important lessons are given by this alternation of the two ideas of faith and unbelief, obedience and disobedience.

*Disobedience is the root of unbelief.
*Unbelief is the mother of further disobedience.
*Faith is voluntary submission within a person’s own power.

If faith is not exercised, the true cause lies deeper than all intellectual reasons. It lies in the moral aversion of human will and in the pride of independence, which says, “who is Lord over us? Why should we have to depend on Jesus Christ?”

As faith is obedience and submission, so faith breeds obedience, but unbelief leads on to higher-handed rebellion. With dreadful reciprocity of influence, the less one trusts, the more he disobeys; the more he disobeys, the less he trusts."

Whether we either consciously, or unconsciously disobey God (or other figures of authority) there are some things we can do to get ourselves back on track. I've included a few ideas here: Begin with an honest inventory of your life. Ask yourself whether you are being obedient to God in the different areas of your life (i.e., personal relationships, your behavior, how you honor God in your marriage, job, etc).

Any areas of disobedience you discover can be removed once identified. The result is a greater faith and new joy. Don't forget to thank God for pointing these out to you (Ephesians 5:20; 1 Thessalonians 5:18).

It's important to confess the disobedience as sin, and ask God for forgiveness. If it includes others who are in authority over you, you should settle the situation with them. We are instructed by the Bible that we can and should exist in peace with ourselves and others. Disobedience can block our joy, blessings and inner peace with God.

When that itch to disobey flares up, denounce it! Like the apostle Paul, force yourself to be strong and obey. As Christians, we have some pretty impressive weapons to fight against the urge to disobey. Use the faith of Jesus and the power of the Holy Spirit to help you.

And finally, pray. Pray that the fruit of the Spirit, faithfulness to God and other people, will be produced inwardly. Give thanks and praise God for exposing the areas of disobedience in your life; and rejoice in your new freedom and joy in the Lord as you realize freedom from bondage of disobedience.

Scripture: Matthew 7:21; Romans 6:16; 2 Corinthians 2:9; Isaiah 1:19; John 14:15

Prayer: Lord I surrender all I am to You today and pray that I may walk in newness of love and humble obedience all the days of my life , in Jesus name I pray, Amen.

May God bless you!

Elise