Photo by Avi Waxman on unsplash
By Mike Chaffin
For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the Lord, He also has rejected you from being king.” 1 Samuel 15:23
Disobedience, a very deadly vice, is caused by rebellion and distrust of God. Disobedient behavior is yielding to self-will instead of surrendering to God’s will. Satan’s best weapon is to get us to be disobedient. He tried that with Jesus when he tempted him three times to sin in the wilderness. Before we come to Christ our life is filled with disobedience to God’s ways. Paul put it this way in Ephesians,
And you He made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins, 2 in which you once walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience, Ephesians 2:1-2
The disobedient like company. King Solomon gives great advice in proverbs. He tells men to not fall into their company, and don’t fall into the wiles of a harlot. Paul built on this, teaching the Ephesians about disobedience and the temptation to join others in disobedience,
Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. 7 Therefore do not be partakers with them. Ephesians 5:6-7
Disobedience takes many forms. We were born in disobedience so without Christ it comes naturally. We disobey out of self will, instant gratification, following our lusts and desires just to name a few ways.
However, as Christians the temptation is there daily to disobey God’s word. It’s why Paul wrote in Romans that he did what he didn’t want and didn’t do what he should have.
For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh) nothing good dwells; for to will is present with me, but how to perform what is good I do not find. 19 For the good that I will to do, I do not do; but the evil I will not to do, that I practice. Romans 7:18-19
Sin crouches at our door to trip us up. Disobedience comes naturally, and it is the main way to lose our connection with God. Through disobedience of one person, mankind fell. Through disobedience of a generation the Israelites wandered in the wilderness and never entered God’s promised land. However, God’s mercy is extended to all. He sent his Son to die for us. Don’t be disobedient to the message. God loves you and Jesus said if we love Him, we need to obey His commands.
Prayer: Dear Lord, forgive me for my disobedience to your commands. Help me to stay strong in times of temptation to rebuke or run from them. Give me the courage to fulfill your commands, even when others reject the message. In Jesus’ name, amen.
