Obedience

1 John 2:5-6 “But if anyone obeys His word, God's love is truly made complete in Him. This is how we know we are in Him: Whoever claims to live in Him must walk as Jesus did.”

I’ve been considering a lot about obedience as I close out 2023 and start a new year. It has been a theme for me. Obedience in the face of discomfort, inconvenience, fear, and uncharted waters has been the culmination of 2023, and I don’t think it’s changing just because it’s a “new season.”

I’ve heard Daniel Kolenda say multiple times, “Partial obedience is disobedience, delayed obedience is disobedience.” God has used the story of Balaam to highlight this very theme to me. Balaam was honored as a prophet among the people. Balak (the King of the Moabites) knew that he walked in power, so he asked Balaam to curse the Israelites so the Moabites wouldn’t be conquered in battle. At first, it seems like Balaam does everything right. He goes to God, asks for the word, follows the instruction. But at some point, the posture of Balaam’s heart shifts and God gives him over to a test - “Go with them, but do only what I tell you.” (Numbers 2:20) God knew that Balaam wanted the reward over the satisfaction of being obedient to His Word, so he gave Balaam over to his own selfish desires, which resulted in Balaam’s death. Balaam wanted God’s yes and affirmation or rewards from leaders. We cannot please both God and our own will at the same time unless we align with the Lord. We cannot be both obedient to the Lord and obedient to man.

There have been so many times this year where I’ve had to ask God, “Am I still within your will?” Even if I’m following the words, the dreams, and the visions, my own heart can easily get in the way. The longing of my soul can override the will of God if I allow it. I’ve heard it said before, “You’re not big enough to mess up God’s plans.” Of course I’m not, but I am big enough to mess up God’s plans for my life. He has an ultimate plan - but he will use whoever is willing and submitted. May I not allow God to pass me over because I’m unwilling to be submitted to His call.

My heart posture for 2024 is continued surrender and obedience, which I think is a call to the Body at large. May we not be wavered by influence, celebrity, or opportunity, but only be moved by the voice of Jesus. Let us not follow his voice up until the last moment and squander our callings and relationship with the Lord because we are tempted by favor with man, financial success, or comfort. But, may we walk courageously in the footsteps of Jesus, whether it brings us position or persecution - this is how we are to know him, to hear him and to obey him.