There is a difference between believing in God and obeying Him. We can believe in God, but it does not mean that we obey Him. For example, Jonah, who was a prophet, believed in God, but when God called him to go to Nineveh, he disobeyed and took a boat to go in the opposite direction. As a result, he ended up being swallowed by a big fish. Jonah was in the belly of the big fish for three days and three nights until he repented and submitted to God's will (Jonah 1-4). David is another example when he committed adultery and murder. David believed in God, but he chose to commit sin (2 Samuel 11). Our belief in God is meant to obey God. And this is the reason Jesus encouraged us to be a doer of His Word, and not just a hearer. Jesus said, "Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock (Matthew 7:24)." The reason many Christians fall away from their faith in God is that they stop obeying God. They believe that Jesus is their Lord and Savior, yet the way they talk and live their lives does not match their belief in Him.
In order for us to maintain a good relationship with our God, we must make a choice every moment to obey Him. Our obedience to God is a decision that we make. For example, suppose we get angry because we didn't get what we expected to have. In that case, we need to immediately ask ourselves how we should obey God in that moment. In our workplace and home, how do we obey God in relating with others. Someone said, "It is easier for me to work with unbelievers than Christians." I was shocked when I heard that statement, but when I experienced it myself working in ministry, I understood that statement. I have met Christians who were very critical of everything. One of the reasons many unbelievers do not want to become Christians is because they have seen the hypocrisy of many Christians. James 2:17 says, "So you see, faith by itself isn't enough. Unless it produces good deeds, it is dead and useless."
Let us not separate our belief in God and our obedience to Him. Our faith and obedience go together all the time. May our Lord Jesus give us the strength today to obey Him in everything that we do so that those people around us may see the evidence of our faith in God.
Questions for application: (Think through these questions carefully, meditate on them while answering them, and let the Spirit of God speak to you.) Why is it important to obey God in everything that I do? Do I obey God in relating with others at work and home? How am I obeying God in the situation that I am currently in?
Take a moment to write down all the worries you face today. Then, lift them up to God in prayer, surrendering them to His will and trusting in His guidance.
Prayer:
Dear Father in Heaven, thank you for reminding me today that my faith in you should lead me to obey you. Please give me the strength and courage to obey you in everything that I do so that those around me will see my faith in you. Please help me choose to obey you the moment I wake up every day. I understand that it is a choice that I make to obey you in every situation that I am in. In the name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.
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