Introduction: Showing Love for Christ
Showing love for Christ through obedience is often misunderstood as a burden, but in the life of a believer, it’s a beautiful way to show our love for Christ. It’s not about following a list of rules but living in a way that reflects our deep devotion to Him. Just like a parent beams with pride when their child chooses to obey, even when no one is watching, our obedience to Christ brings joy to His heart.
Think of a parent whose child listens to instructions, not just when they are nearby but even when they’re not around. That trust and obedience reflect the love and respect the child has for their parent. In the same way, when we follow Christ’s commands—whether in public or private—we demonstrate our love for Him and our desire to live in a way that honors Him.
In this post, we’ll explore how obeying Christ’s commands reflects our love for Him and transforms our daily lives. Let’s dive into the joy and growth that come from living a life of faithful obedience.
Understanding the Call to Obey Christ’s Commands
Obedience to Christ isn’t about rigidly following rules—it’s about a loving response to His care and guidance. When we obey, we’re showing Christ that we trust Him and want to live in a way that honors Him. This idea is at the heart of being a Christian—our relationship with Jesus grows deeper through our willingness to follow His lead.
Obedience as an Expression of Love for Christ
Let’s start with what Jesus says in John 14:15 (NLT): “If you love me, obey my commandments.”
It’s such a simple yet profound statement. Our obedience is really about love, not duty. When we truly love someone, we want to please them, and that’s what Jesus is asking for here—a heart that desires to follow Him out of love and trust, not just because we feel obligated.
The Difference Between Actions and Words
Jesus makes a bold point in Luke 6:46 (NLT): “So why do you keep calling me ‘Lord, Lord!’ when you don’t do what I say?” He’s challenging us to think about the difference between saying we follow Him and actually living it out. It’s like telling someone you’ll help them, but never actually showing up. Jesus wants more than just our words—He wants our actions to reflect our faith. Obedience shows that we’re serious about making Him the Lord of our lives.
Obedience is not a Burden
1 John 5:3 (NLT) reminds us: “Loving God means keeping his commandments, and his commandments are not burdensome.” This verse is such a comforting truth. Following God’s commands isn’t meant to weigh us down. Instead, it’s a natural result of our love for Him. Think of it like doing something for someone you care about—it doesn’t feel hard because you know it brings them joy. In the same way, God’s commandments are designed for our good and lead us to a life filled with peace and purpose.
Living a Life That Reflects Christ
At its core, obedience isn’t about following a set of rules to avoid punishment. It’s about showing through our lives that we are committed to Christ, that we love Him, and that we trust His way is the best way. When we choose to obey, we’re choosing to live in a way that reflects God’s heart. And as we walk in obedience, our lives are transformed, and we experience the fullness of life that Jesus promises us.
Why Obeying Christ is Essential for Every Christian
Obedience to Christ isn’t just something that’s “nice to do” as a believer—it’s essential. It’s how we demonstrate that we truly trust and love Him. But beyond that, it’s through obedience that we experience the depth and fullness of our relationship with God. Let’s explore why obeying Christ is so crucial for every Christian.
Obedience Reflects Our Love for God
One of the most powerful ways we show our love for Christ is through our actions. Jesus makes it clear in John 14:15 that obedience is directly tied to our love for Him: “If you love me, obey my commandments.”
It’s not enough to just say we love Jesus. Just like in any relationship, words alone aren’t enough—they need to be backed up by action. When we obey Christ, we’re showing Him that our love is real, that we trust His guidance, and that we value what He says.
Think about any close relationship in your life. If you love someone, you naturally want to make choices that reflect that love. You don’t act out of fear but out of a desire to honor that person. It’s the same with our relationship with Christ. Obedience is our way of saying, “Lord, I trust You and want to live in a way that pleases You.”
Obedience Affirms Christ’s Lordship in Our Lives
Calling Jesus “Lord” means that He has authority over our lives, but that only truly happens when we follow His teachings. Jesus challenges us in Luke 6:46 when He asks, “So why do you keep calling me ‘Lord, Lord!’ when you don’t do what I say?”
It’s one thing to say that Jesus is Lord, but it’s another thing entirely to live like it. Obedience is what affirms His Lordship in our daily lives. It’s like recognizing someone as your coach or mentor—you not only respect them, but you also follow their advice and direction because you trust that they know what’s best for you.
In the same way, when we obey Christ, we’re acknowledging that He knows what’s best for us. We’re saying, “You are the authority in my life, and I choose to follow You because I trust Your wisdom and love.” Obedience shows that we’re fully committed to His leadership in every aspect of our lives.
Obedience Leads to Spiritual Growth
One of the incredible things about obeying Christ is that it helps us grow spiritually. As we follow His commands, we begin to see His work in our lives in a deeper way. 1 John 5:3 reassures us that “Loving God means keeping his commandments, and his commandments are not burdensome.”
This verse reminds us that God’s commands aren’t meant to weigh us down. In fact, they’re designed to help us grow. When we choose to obey, we’re opening ourselves up to God’s transforming power. Little by little, our character is shaped to become more like Christ, and we start living in a way that aligns with God’s heart.
Obedience is how we put our faith into action. It’s through those daily choices—whether in big decisions or small acts of kindness—that we grow in our walk with Christ. As we follow His lead, our faith becomes stronger, and we experience the fullness of life that He offers.
Obedience Brings Us Closer to God
Finally, obedience is one of the key ways we draw closer to God. When we follow Christ’s teachings, we’re aligning our lives with His will. And as we walk in step with Him, we experience a deeper connection with God. Think of obedience like staying on a path that leads to a beautiful destination. The more we walk that path, the closer we get to the fullness of joy, peace, and purpose that God has for us.
God’s commands aren’t just rules—they’re invitations to a richer, more fulfilling relationship with Him. Each act of obedience brings us closer to His heart and allows us to experience more of His love and grace. When we obey, we’re not just following instructions; we’re stepping into the life that God has designed for us—a life full of His presence, peace, and guidance.
Practical Steps to Grow in Obedience to Christ
Obeying Christ is a journey, not a one-time decision. Just like anything we want to improve in life, growing in obedience takes intentionality and practice. Thankfully, God doesn’t leave us to figure it out on our own—He’s given us His Word, His Spirit, and practical ways to help us grow. Here are some simple steps to guide you on this path of obedience.
Identify Areas in Your Life Needing Growth
The first step to growing in obedience is self-reflection. It’s important to pause and ask God to show you the areas of your life where you need to grow in following His commands. Maybe there’s an aspect of your life that you’ve held back, or perhaps there’s a teaching of Christ that you’ve struggled to fully embrace.
Take time to pray and ask God to reveal where you can grow. Psalm 139:23-24 (NLT) says, “Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life.”
Being honest with God and allowing Him to search your heart is a powerful starting point in your journey of growth.
Apply Christ’s Teachings in Daily Life
Obedience happens in the everyday moments of life. It’s in the way we interact with others, the choices we make, and how we respond to challenges. Here are some practical ways to live out Christ’s teachings:
- Love Your Neighbor:
Jesus taught us in Matthew 22:39 (NLT) to “Love your neighbor as yourself.” This command can take many forms—showing kindness to a stranger, being patient with a coworker, or helping someone in need. Think about ways you can actively love those around you, even when it’s difficult. - Forgive Others:
One of the hardest teachings of Christ is forgiveness, yet it’s one of the clearest ways we can reflect His love. In Matthew 6:14-15 (NLT), Jesus reminds us, “If you forgive those who sin against you, your heavenly Father will forgive you. But if you refuse to forgive others, your Father will not forgive your sins.”
Consider relationships where you may be holding onto bitterness or resentment, and ask God to help you forgive, even when it’s tough. - Live Humbly:
Christ modeled humility throughout His life. Philippians 2:3 (NLT) encourages us to, “Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves.”
In a world that often encourages self-promotion, choosing humility is a powerful way to obey Christ. Whether it’s in your job, family, or social life, look for opportunities to put others first and serve with a humble heart.
Stay Rooted in God’s Word
One of the best ways to grow in obedience is by staying connected to God’s Word. The more we know what He says, the more we can live according to His will. Psalm 119:105 (NLT) says, “Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path.”
Make Bible reading a regular part of your life. Whether through personal study, group discussions, or even listening to Scripture during your day, immerse yourself in God’s truth. This will help you not only understand His commands but also strengthen your desire to follow them.
Rely on the Holy Spirit for Strength
Obeying Christ can be challenging, but we’re not left to do it in our own strength. The Holy Spirit is our helper, guiding and empowering us to live in obedience. Jesus promised us in John 14:26 (NLT), “But when the Father sends the Advocate as my representative—that is, the Holy Spirit—He will teach you everything and will remind you of everything I have told you.”
When you find yourself struggling to obey, ask the Holy Spirit for strength and guidance. He’s there to help you stay on the right path and give you the courage to live out Christ’s teachings.
Take Small, Consistent Steps of Obedience
Obedience doesn’t have to be overwhelming. It’s about taking small, consistent steps in the right direction. Start with one area where you feel God leading you to grow, and focus on making progress there. Whether it’s choosing to forgive, serving someone in need, or spending more time in God’s Word, each step of obedience helps you grow in your faith.
Jesus said in Luke 16:10 (NLT), “If you are faithful in little things, you will be faithful in large ones.” So don’t be discouraged by starting small. Every act of obedience, no matter how small, is a step toward a deeper relationship with Christ.
Growing in obedience to Christ is a lifelong journey, but it’s one that brings incredible joy and fulfillment. As you identify areas for growth, apply His teachings in daily life, and rely on the Holy Spirit’s help, you’ll begin to see transformation in your walk with God. Remember, it’s not about perfection—it’s about progress. Each step of obedience brings you closer to Christ and helps you experience the fullness of the life He has for you.
Conclusion
Obedience to Christ is more than just following a set of rules—it’s the way we show our love, trust, and commitment to Him. As we grow in obedience, we begin to experience more of God’s presence, guidance, and peace in our lives. The steps we’ve discussed—self-reflection, applying Christ’s teachings, staying rooted in the Word, relying on the Holy Spirit, and taking small, consistent steps—are all part of an ongoing journey. It’s not about getting it perfect but about taking daily actions that draw us closer to Him.
Remember, growing in obedience is a journey of faith and love, where every step of following Christ brings us deeper into a relationship with Him. As you continue this journey, keep seeking to live in a way that reflects your devotion to Him and embrace the joy and peace that come from walking in His ways.
Knowing Christ Series Blogs:
- Introduction – Step 1 for a Disciple – Grow in Christ
- Part 1: Understanding the Gospel: The Good News of Salvation through Christ
- Part 2: Growth in Faith: Practical Steps for Christian Growth
- Part 3: The Importance of Prayer: How It Transforms Your Life
- Part 4: Knowing Christ through the Word: Deepen Your Faith Journey
- Part 5: Abide in Christ Daily for Spiritual Growth
- Part 6: Embracing Christ’s Unconditional Love
- Part 7: Showing Love for Christ Through Obeying His Commands
Announcement:
We’re excited to let you know that the next part of this series, “Growth in Christ,” will begin this Wednesday! Stay tuned for practical insights on how to grow in your walk with Christ and live out your faith in everyday life.
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