Romans 16:19  says, “For your obedience is known to all, so that I rejoice over you, but I want you to be wise as to what is good and innocent as to what is evil. “

Am I quick to obey?  Am I known for my obedience, as the Romans were?  Obedience is NOT a four-letter word! Obedience is not evil.  Rather, it is a beautiful, glorious, joy-provoking quality.

What is obedience? Simply stated,  doing what we are commanded.  A soldier is disgraced when he defies an officer, but his life and the lives of others are saved when he obeys orders.  A rebellious child brings little joy to his dad, but an obedient son brings gladness to both dad and son.  Insubordination at the workplace may get you fired, but someone who does they are told, and does it well and with a whole heart, is commended and may even get promoted.

So if obedience in the world and in our families is good, why do we sometimes view it as bad or legalistic in the Christian life, like a four-letter word?  That perspective is warped.

Obey today, and experience the commendation of the Lord. Acts 13:22 says it well: “I have found in David the son of Jesse a man after my heart, who will do all my will.”

What is the Lord prompting me to obey today?   To cast my burdens on Him and not be anxious?  To humble myself and ask forgiveness from someone I offended?  To work diligently, not lazily?  To rejoice in the God of love instead of complaining in my heart?  To use my tongue to encourage and praise someone instead of offering sarcasm and criticism?

Like the Romans, may many rejoice over my obedience!!