Then Jesus explained: “My nourishment comes from doing the will of God, who sent me, and from finishing his work.” –John 4:34 (New Living Translation)

Jason M. Alexandre, Voices Against the Grain Devotional Writer

In the Christian walk, “obedience” is a word often associated within a negative context rather than positive. The English dictionary defines obedience to be “the act or practice of obeying; dutiful or submissive compliance.” In a world that is increasingly encouraging personal, financial, and sexual freedom among many other things, obedience can be a dreadful experience if you’re not thinking rightly about it. But Jesus wants us to have JOY in obeying the Father! Just as it pleased Him and gave Him joy to obey God, so it should please us!

But if we desire to obey God, let it not be from a spirit of unwillingness, fear, or contempt but rather because we LOVE Him. For Jesus said, “All who love me will do what I say. My father will love them, and we will come and make our home with each of them.” – John 14:23 Loving God means keeping his commandments, and his commandments are not burdensome. – 1 John 5:2-3

One thing we must remember while being obedient is that we have a High Priest in Jesus who endured obedience before us. In his humanity, he learned the impact of full obedience to God. For even though Jesus was God’s son, he learned obedience from the things he suffered. –Hebrews 5:8. And this High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testing’s we do, yet he did not sin. –Hebrews 4:15 He humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross. –Philippians 2:8 He did this out of LOVE for his father and out of love for us.

So how exactly do we learn how to obey God? Let me suggest a few ways that has worked in my life and other Christians. First we choose to TRUST him and do it his way instead of our own. Jesus gave us an example of this when he said, “For I have come down from heaven to do the will of God who sent me, not to do my own will.” –John 6:38 Second, understand that patience and faith are requirements in obedience. Be determined to wait upon God in prayer. His timing is always perfect.

Third, we must meditate on His word EVERY single day. It is impossible to live an obedient life with a closed Bible. Finally, we must be CONFIDENT enough to leave all the consequences to him. There is an inexplicable FREEDOM in knowing that you have obeyed God in your life situation and you leave whatever happens next to him. The psalmist knew this very well when he said, “I will walk in freedom, for I have devoted myself to your commandments”-Psalm 119:45. Yet, beware of that prowling lion our enemy the Devil. He will keep attempting to move you toward “partial obedience.” Rationalization is one of Satan’s biggest weapons to keep you off base in your relationship with God.

Dear friends, life at its best comes from obeying the Father. Obedience is something you will never regret for it ALWAYS brings blessings. Amen.

-Jason M. Alexandre

About Jason M. Alexandre

Jason Melchizedek Alexandre was born on November 29, 1989 in Brooklyn, New York. However, at two years old he and his family moved to Philadelphia, PA. Later, Jason moved to Limerick, PA where he now resides. Jason is currently working toward obtaining his Master of Social Work degree at Widener University. Although Jason’s career is Social Work, his spiritual passion is missions. Jason believes in actively answering the great commission call Jesus gave all Christians for the gospel to be spread from nation to nation. On a yearly basis, Jason primarily goes to Haiti on a mission trip with Haiti Christianity Inc. Each year Haiti Christianity visits different cities and/or villages in Haiti bringing children educational supplies, clothes, and medical supplies. They also facilitate conferences in which bible study, budgeting tips, financial planning and most importantly evangelization takes place. Jason is currently their public relations director. Jason’s vision is for the gospel to continue to be spread throughout the world and believes it is Christian’s responsibility to carry out this mission effectively.