The Simplicity of Obedience

I was faced with a simple choice today… God’s way or my way. 

My way would have included anger and self-justification. God’s way included an apology from me to someone I hurt, and eating some humble pie. Turns out, that pie can taste pretty good when you are being obedient to Jesus.

I grew up hearing a simple song in church: “obedience is the very best way to show that you believe. Doing exactly as the Lord commands, doing it happily.” As a kid, I sang the words, but living them was another story! Even now, I recognize how easy it is to hear the truth and still choose my own way.

The reality is, obedience has always been simple in concept but difficult in practice. God speaks clearly through His Word and invites me into alignment with Him. The Bible simply says:

“If you love me, keep my commands.” (John 14:15, NIV)

Jesus doesn’t complicate the equation. Love leads to obedience. Obedience reflects trust. And trust leads to peace. 

When I obey God, I am not earning His love—I am responding to it.

I’ve learned that obedience is not about perfection, but about direction. It’s about choosing God’s way over my own, even when it costs me something. Sometimes that means saying “no” to myself. Sometimes it means trusting God when I don’t understand the outcome. Sometimes it means doing exactly what I know to be right in my heart.

I’ve also discovered that obedience brings something the world cannot manufacture: peace. Not necessarily ease or comfort, but peace in the middle of whatever comes next.

So today, I remind myself: obedience is not complicated. It’s a daily, moment-by-moment decision to trust God’s instruction over my own instincts. Let’s pray together:

Lord, help me to choose obedience over convenience. Teach me to trust Your Word even when it challenges me. Align my heart with Yours so that my actions reflect my love for You. Give me the courage to obey immediately and fully, and fill my life with the peace that comes from walking in Your will. In the name of Jesus, Amen.

Never forget, my friend,

You are a miracle!