Proverbs 21:3
The Lord is more pleased when we do what is right and just than when we offer Him sacrifices.
2 Chronicles 25:2
Amaziah did what was pleasing in the Lord’s sight, but not wholeheartedly.
2 Chronicles 20:33
During his reign, however, he failed to remove all the pagan shrines, and the people never fully committed themselves to follow the God of their ancestors.
1 Samuel 15:22
But Samuel replied, “What is more pleasing to the Lord: Your burnt offerings and sacrifices or your obedience to His voice? Listen! Obedience is better than sacrifice, and submission is better than offering the fat of rams.
[Emphasis added.]
Recently I was reading through the Book of 2 Chronicles and something struck me: As it always does. Time and time again, we read of the installation of a new king that did what was pleasing to the Lord except... [fill in the blank]. With a few exceptions of kings that did what was pleasing in the sight of the Lord, many of the kings either outright disobeyed God or performed partial or delayed obedience. For example, removing pagan idols and temple prostitutes BUT neglecting to cease the practice of child sacrifices. Let me state that 25%, 50%, 75 % or anything less than 100% obedience is still disobedience. As is untimely, i.e. late, obedience. Why? Because when God instructs us to do something, live righteously or walk in ways that are pleasing to Him, anything less than that opens us up to consequences that won't give Him glory and might very well have unpleasant consequences for us. Not punishment mind you for those of us under Grace, but consequences nonetheless.
For example, in 2 Chronicles 28 when king Ahaz became king of Jerusalem at 16 years old we read "Unlike David his father, he did not do what was right in the eyes of the Lord" [v. 1] and it goes on to say "Therefore the Lord his God delivered him into the hands of the king of Aram." [v.5] King Ahaz forfeited God being with him in battle and giving victory because he chose to follow his own fleshy desires versus be in submission to the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob as his ancestor David did. Yes, we know David had significant moments of gross disobedience to God and suffered horrible consequences, but we also know that David did what a lot of the other kings failed to do: He repented of his sin and God forgave him and restored him to right standing. Like what He does for us when we accept Jesus as Lord and Savior.
This is not to say that obedience is always easy. In fact, many times it is downright uncomfortable and way out of our comfort zone. But the end result is oh so wonderful, because there you will abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I am reminded when I was called into ministry about twelve years ago. I had grown up in the church, but had zero desire or inkling for ministry. Coupled with being in the midst of recovering from a near fatal injury, I was sure God was joking or that I had heard Him incorrectly! So for two years even though I was serving in my local church in various layman capacities and completing doctoral studies in Theology for further specialization in my career [or so I thought], I ignored the call into formal ministry i.e. I was in disobedience, my friend. My 75% of and delayed obedient service was not the 100% swift obedience to God's call that He required Like Jesus says in Luke 6:46, “So why do you keep calling me ‘Lord, Lord!’ when you don’t do what I say?" Let me say I was soo uncomfortable. Not because God punished me, we know He doesn't do that to those in Christ, but because He didn't stop gently and consistently pursuing me plus I was strongly convicted in my heart because of my disobedience. Finally, one day after speaking in church I pulled my car over, repented and accepted His call on the side of the road. It was as if a weight was lifted off my shoulders and I was right where I was supposed to be. Things didn't magically change, in fact ministry has been one of my toughest endeavors. But I am so blessed and get soo much joy when I see the fruit produced and the people impacted through my service and I lament that I waited so long in disobedience with 75% obedience.
So what prevents us from full obedience? There are many reasons unique to us individually that can appear legitimate on the surface and are very real, but at their core are simply excuses.
1. Procrastination [to put off intentionally and habitually].
2. Over analyzation [to analyze (someone or something) excessively].
3. Pride [exaggerated self-esteem, confidence and satisfaction in oneself].
4. Shame [painful emotion caused by consciousness of guilt, shortcoming or impropriety].
5. External pressure [well meaning or not people offering opinions and counsel on our decisions].
The result of our excuses is stagnation, being paralyzed to decisively move in obedience and doing nothing in the end. Though I don't always get it right as the flawed human that I am, I have learned to quickly obey by taking God at His Word that He not only loves me, but is working for my good in all things. I encourage you to do the same.
Takeaways for you to remember:
1. Obedience is personal between you and God.
2. Cultivate intimacy and fellowship with God to better hear His voice.
3. Obedience should be swift and complete.
Yours in Christ!
Dr. Quahana
Want to enjoy some of the Scriptures inspiring this entry?
[NLT version unless otherwise noted.]
References
1. "pride, procrastinate, overanalyze." Merriam-Webster.com. Merriam-Webster, 2011. Web. 25 September 2024.
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