4 things no one tells you about obedience

Because I kind of wish they did.

1. It doesn't guarantee you're making the "best" choice.

Obedience is not about making the best choice, it's about making the right choice. If your boss tells you to write a 10-page memo by hand, you would probably think it was a joke.

You would say, "But there's a much better way to do this." Using a computer would make the same task 1000 times more efficient. Not to mention, it's 2015, I couldn't hand write 10 pages if I wanted to.

Chances are, your boss knows you could use a computer to complete the same task in a fraction of the time. And your boss even knows that you know that. However, in this particular (tedious) instance, writing the information out by hand is what's right. It's what works for your boss. And unfortunately, it's the task you were assigned.

No one tells you that your obedience might conflict with all logic and common sense known to man.

No big deal.

Remind them to be subject to rulers and authorities, to obey, to be ready for every good work.
(Titus 3:1)

2. It feels good.

Like really good.

There's something about doing what's right. As born again Christians, we have the mind of Christ. We delight in the things He delights in.

Consequently, we seek to do His will. Since obedience is just that, God's will, it brings us pleasure and contentment.

Praise the Lord! Blessed is the man who fears the Lord, who delights greatly in His commandments.
(Psalm 112:1)

3. It can make you seem weak.

People may talk about you for "doing whatever people tell you to do."

They say, "If I were you I'd-

But their conviction may be different from yours. Also their employment status.

4. The reward is not what you expect. 

It's so much better.

The problem with the 10-page handwritten paper isn't that it's a 10-page handwritten paper. It's the idea that it doesn't seem rewarding. I can see the outcome and it's just not special.

It's actually quite severely underwhelming. Borderline depressing.

But the truth is, we can't ever see the reward. We can't even imagine it. Our reward comes from the One we serve, Christ, who does exceedingly and abundantly above all that we could ask or think.

No one ever tells you that the reward for obedience is so...so much better.

Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. Remember that the Lord will give you an inheritance as your reward, and that the Master you are serving is Christ.
(Colossians 3:23-34)



What's something no one told you about obedience?