Monday Memo 1222: Obedience
Obedience is the bridge between purpose revealed and purpose fulfilled. God may show you His will, but only doing it will allow you to fulfill it. Jesus made obedience the test of love: “If you love me, keep my commands.” True growth cannot happen apart from your obedience, because growth is measured not by knowledge gained or doctrinal correctness but by faith lived out in action.
In Deuteronomy 5:33, God told Israel, “Walk in obedience to all that the Lord your God has commanded you, so that you may live and prosper and prolong your days in the land that you will possess.” Obedience leads to life, prosperity, and blessing—not because God is legalistic, but because His commands align with His design. He knows what's best for you.
Purpose flourishes in obedience. Abraham’s obedience to leave his homeland opened the door to his purpose of becoming the father of many nations (Genesis 12). Moses’ obedience to confront Pharaoh unlocked Israel’s deliverance and Moses' purpose to be Israel's deliverer (Exodus 3-12). Mary’s obedience to bear the Messiah brought salvation into the world (Luke 1:38). Every act of obedience advances God’s purpose—and yours.
Obedience also shapes your creativity. When Noah obeyed God’s instructions to build the ark, he didn’t just demonstrate faith—he exercised creativity in constructing something that had never been built before. Obedience channels creativity into divine assignments; disobedience fritters away the creative edge that could be yours.
Disobedience also derails purpose. Saul lost his kingdom because he rejected God’s command (1 Samuel 15:22-23). Disobedience wastes gifts and misdirects energy. Obedience redeems them both. This is basic spirituality 101, but it's not an event—it's a lifestyle.
Jesus modeled perfect obedience. Philippians 2:8 declares, “And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross!” Because of His obedience, salvation and reconciliation became possible for all creation. His obedience reconciled purpose and creativity for all of those who call on His name.
I'm writing from my new home in Virginia. I believed God wanted us to relocate so we did. Now we are awaiting the reasons to unfold, but we know it's all about purpose. Walking in obedience may not always be easy (like moving), but it always bears fruit. Each step of obedience is a step further into God’s purpose for your life.
Reflection Questions
- What is one area of life where God is calling you to deeper obedience right now?
- How have you seen obedience unlock new opportunities for purpose in your past?
- In what ways might disobedience be hindering your creativity or growth? Be honest and specific.
Prayer
Lord, help me to walk in obedience to Your Word and Your Spirit. Teach me to see obedience not as a burden but as the pathway to freedom and purpose. May my love for You be evident in my actions, and may obedience shape my creativity and calling. Amen.
Application
This week, identify one area where God is calling you to obedience where your purpose or creativity are concerned. Take one concrete step of obedience and journal how it impacts your sense of growth and purpose.