Understanding the Call to Follow Him
When we talk about obedience to Christ, it might sound like a big, intimidating concept. At its heart, it’s about saying “yes” to the love of Jesus in our everyday lives. It’s about embracing His guidance and teachings daily. It’s not about perfection. It’s not about following a set of rigid rules. It’s about trust, love, and allowing Christ to lead us into a life filled with purpose and peace.
What Does Obedience to Christ Mean?
Obedience to Christ simply means living in a way that reflects His teachings and example. In the Bible, Jesus often tells people to “follow Him.” He’s not asking for blind obedience. Instead, He desires a relationship where we listen to Him. He wants us to trust Him and act according to His will. For example, obeying Christ includes loving others, forgiving those who hurt us, being honest, and serving those in need.
It’s less about saying, “I must do this because I’m told.” It’s more about saying, “I will do this because I trust Jesus knows what’s best for me and others.”
Why Obedience Matters
Obedience isn’t about earning points or making ourselves better than others; it’s about growing closer to God. When we follow Christ’s teachings, we experience His love more deeply, and our lives reflect His goodness. It’s like planting seeds of kindness, patience, and peace that blossom into a life of fulfillment.
Jesus said in John 14:15, “If you love me, keep my commands.” This shows us that obedience is rooted in love. When we love someone, we naturally want to honor them and trust their guidance. It’s the same with Jesus. Loving Him makes us follow His ways voluntarily. We do this because we desire to walk in harmony with His purpose for us.
How to Be Obedient to Christ
Start with Small Steps
Obedience doesn’t mean you have to change your entire life overnight. Start small. Maybe it’s choosing to speak kindly to someone. It is praying when you feel stressed. Or it involves being generous with your time and resources. Each small step is like building a bridge closer to Jesus.
Read His Word
The Bible is like a map for our journey with Christ. By reading it, we learn what Jesus taught and how He lived. The stories, lessons, and promises in Scripture show us how to align our lives with His will. Reading just a few verses daily can offer insight. It shows you what obedience looks like in practical terms.
Pray Regularly
Prayer is simply talking to God. It’s where we ask for guidance, express gratitude, and share our struggles. When you feel unsure about being obedient, turn to prayer. It can help you seek clarity and gain strength from Christ.
Trust Him in the Hard Times
Obedience isn’t always easy. There will be moments when pursuing Christ feels challenging. It is forgiving someone who hurt you. It also involves stepping out of your comfort zone to help someone in need. But it’s often in these hard moments that we grow the most. We trust that Jesus is working through us for something greater.
The Blessings of Obedience
When we live in obedience to Christ, we experience blessings that go beyond material things. Obedience brings peace, knowing we are aligned with God’s purpose. It brings joy, as we see the impact of His love through our actions. It also deepens our relationship with Him, allowing us to trust in His plans even when life feels uncertain.
One of the most beautiful things about obedience is how it touches the lives of others. Through acts of kindness, forgiveness, and service, we become a reflection of Christ’s love to those around us. It’s a ripple effect—our obedience can inspire and encourage others to seek Him and live in His ways.
Remember, It’s About Progress, Not Perfection
It’s important to remember that obedience to Christ isn’t about being flawless. We all make mistakes, and that’s okay. Jesus doesn’t expect perfection; He desires a willing heart. Even when we falter, His grace is there to guide us back to Him. What matters is our effort and intention to follow Him.
Take it one day at a time. Some days will be easier than others. Each step you take in obedience brings you closer to the life Jesus wants for you. This life is full of meaning, love, and hope.
Conclusion
Obedience to Christ is a journey, not a destination. It’s about walking with Him, trusting Him, and allowing His teachings to influence your thoughts, actions, and decisions. As you grow in obedience, you’ll find yourself becoming more like Him—someone who loves deeply, forgives freely, and lives courageously.
Remember, Jesus calls us to follow Him. He does not do so because He wants to control us. Instead, He knows the path to true joy and peace. By saying “yes” to Him, you’re saying “yes” to a life filled with purpose, love, and endless blessings.
So take that first step. Trust Him, follow Him, and let His love lead you toward a life of obedience and grace.
May the love of God shine through us, bringing hope, healing, and transformation to those around us. Amen.
Minister A. Francine Green
afrancinegreen.com 