How to Be Blessed By God
The Source of Obedience

Scripture: Romans 1:5

Through him and for his name’s sake, we received grace and apostleship to call people from among all the Gentiles to the obedience that comes from faith.

          Too many Christ followers see obedience as coming from sheer “teeth gritting” determination.  And to some degree, it takes that in this sinful world we live in.  But the Apostle Paul reminds us that the major portion of our obedience should come from faith!  If you think about it, that is true in most other areas of life.  Take any lessons from a coach or mentor and it will be our faith in them that makes us obey what they say!  If Tiger Woods tells me to change something in my golf swing, I would not obey him from a “teeth gritting” determination.  I would do it because of my belief, my faith, that Tiger Woods knows what he is talking about when it comes to golf!

The secret to becoming a consistently obedient Christ follower is found in our level of faith in God’s wisdom.  The Bible says: Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ (Romans 10:17).  Let me encourage you to daily set aside a time to read God’s Word, the Bible.  Read it slowly…thoughtfully.  Ask questions like: “Do I understand this passage?”  and/or “Am I obeying these instructions in my life?”  As you do this, your faith level will grow more and more.  As your faith level grows, your obedience level will follow automatically.  Why wouldn’t it…why would I not want to live out an instruction from someone I’m totally convinced is right?  It might take me a while to get it into my lifestyle but my desire will be complete as I believe He is right!

“Father, thanks for always having the right answer.  As I learn your answers, I will make every effort to put them into practice.  In Jesus’ Name, Amen.”