Obedience
The Art of Listening - Part 2
My last blog was subtitled “Part I” in the art of listening. It explored ways we can hear God more clearly, and encouraged us to remember that God hears us, always. But that is only the first half of the equation. The second half deals with what we do with what we have heard.
As I searched for images that would match this topic, I looked at a number of key words. Yet the images that popped up, time and time again, had to do with dogs and their trainers. That wasn’t what I was looking for – or was it?
I have a friend who flew helicopters in the Vietnam War. He has spoken of the obedience that was expected and required from soldiers when given an order. In the moment, there is no question of whether to comply. There is no weighing in and collaboratively coming up with an alternate plan of action. Obedience is immediate and complete. THAT was what I wanted to show. Yet here I was, with dog photos.
We once had a beagle named Parker who was the antithesis of ‘obedient’. When my son took him to a training class, Parker was even used by the instructor throughout the course because of how stubborn he was. Parker was exhausting. We never mastered the owner/dog hierarchy. And I was supposed to use a DOG image for this blog?
Absolutely yes, because throughout his life, Parker exhibited all the different ways we can choose to respond to God when He speaks:
We intentionally choose to ignore what He says
There are times when we know what God wants us to do – yet we choose to ignore Him. We may not call it disobedience at the time, but knowingly refusing to do what Jesus asks is nothing less. If you find yourself willfully moving away from what God said, take a deeper look. Can you truly call yourself a follower of Jesus if you will not do what He asks of you?
The importance of obedience cannot be understated. As an example, look at the attitude of Paul toward those who are disobedient.
“And after you have become fully obedient, we will punish everyone who remains disobedient.” 2 Corinthians 10:6 (NLT)
It is never too late. Step into what He has called you to do, no matter how difficult, and He will give you the strength to see it through.
We question whether we’ve heard correctly
It’s ok to question God, particularly if it’s something that would significantly impact our lives. Jesus’ mother, Mary, questioned the angel when she was told she would carry Jesus with, “How can this be?” (Luke 1:34). God welcomed her questioning. Ahaz, king of Judah, was reprimanded by the Lord when he hesitated to question God (Isaiah 7:11-13). God wanted him to ask.
God welcomes our questions – particularly when we are asking with a faith that knows He can do anything.
“Ask for a sign for yourself from the LORD your God; make it deep as Sheol or high as heaven.” (Isaiah 7:11).
God will meet you in your questioning, if you are willing to ask.
We plan to obey but get distracted (in dog terms, think ‘squirrel!’)
How often have you known what God wants to you do, but something gets in the way? Over and over throughout the scriptures, Jesus encourages us to focus on Him. When the sisters Mary and Martha are serving Him dinner, Mary sits at His feet, focused solely on Jesus while Martha scurries around, distracted by everything that needs to be done.
“But the Lord said to her, “My dear Martha, you are worried and upset over all these details! There is only one thing worth being concerned about.” (Luke 10:41-42a)
Jesus is the one thing worth being concerned about. If you find yourself distracted from following what He has asked you to do, don’t delay. Distractions may come. What matters is what you do with them.
We choose obedience
When we hear from God, it should not matter whether the task is easy or difficult. Similar to the soldiers in Vietnam, immediate obedience is the right answer. Do not expect that as you mature as a Christian this will become any easier.
Jesus encouraged us with the story of the faithful servant in Matthew 25. The master gave three servants varying amounts of money and went away. Upon his return, he questioned how each had cared for those funds. Jesus did not care whether one was stewarding more or less than the others. He expected each to be faithful with what they had been given.
“His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful slave. You were faithful with a few things, I will put you in charge of many things; enter the joy of your master.” (Matthew 25:21)
If you have been given a word from God, be faithful with that word. Steward it carefully.
When God asked me to write a book and start a ministry, I didn’t think I was hearing Him correctly. I mean, I’m an engineer, not a writer! I didn’t feel qualified. I got distracted reading books and trying to figure out how to do everything just right, and by myself. But even as I was going through the process, it never occurred to me not to be obedient. He knows the things for which I am (and am not) qualified. So, I will continue to step out in faith, knowing He will provide – whatever He asks of me.
Living Beyond the Noise is not a place where you can hide or remove yourself from the world. It is living for Jesus without letting the world overwhelm you. It is a place where Jesus guides and directs each of our steps. Listen carefully to what Jesus is saying and in obedience, do just that.
Go Beyond:
Has God spoken to you? Where do you sense Him calling you to go? What is He asking you to do? As you discern His voice, what will be your response?
This is what the Lord says - your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: “I am the Lord your God, who teaches you what is good for you and leads you along the paths you should follow. Oh, that you had listened to my commands! Then you would have had peace flowing like a gentle river and righteousness rolling over you like the waves of the sea.” (Isaiah 48:17-18, NLT)
Feel free to share your response in the comments below!
