Have you ever wondered what faith really means or how it connects to how we live our daily lives? Let’s break it down in simple terms, using some powerful lessons from the Bible. Faith and obedience aren’t just big, abstract concepts—they’re practical and deeply connected parts of our relationship with God.
What Is Faith?
Faith is where it all begins. Hebrews 11:6 says, “And without faith it is impossible to please God. Anyone who comes to Him must believe that He exists. They must also believe that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him.” Simply put, faith is trusting God. It’s about believing not just that He exists, but that He is good, He listens, and He cares for us.
Think of it like this: faith is like a child. They trust their parent to catch them when they leap off a couch. That trust isn’t passive—it leads to action. In the same way, faith isn’t just saying, “I believe in God.” It’s living like you trust Him. It means making decisions based on that trust. It also involves treating others with kindness and love because of it.
Obedience: Faith in Action
Faith isn’t meant to stop at belief—it’s meant to be lived out. That’s where obedience comes in. 1 John 2:3-6 explains, “By this we know that we have come to know Him, if we keep His commandments.” In other words, if we truly believe in God and love Him, our lives will reflect this belief. It will be evident in how we live.
When you love someone, you don’t just say it—you show it. You take care of them, respect them, and do things to make them happy. Obedience to God is the same. It’s how we show our love and trust for Him. It’s not about being perfect, but about letting your faith guide your actions.
Faith and Obedience Together
The Bible often talks about “the obedience of faith,” showing that these two ideas are deeply connected. Romans 1:5 says that true faith naturally leads to obedience. Imagine using a GPS. Faith is trusting that the GPS will guide you to your destination; obedience is following the directions. You can’t say you trust it but then ignore its instructions!
Lessons from Abraham
One of the most powerful examples of faith and obedience is Abraham’s story. God asked him to do something that didn’t make sense—sacrifice his son, Isaac. But Abraham trusted God completely and was willing to obey, even though he didn’t understand why. In the end, God provided a ram for the sacrifice, sparing Isaac. Obedience isn’t always easy. It’s rooted in a deep trust that God’s plan is better than ours.
Love Makes It Joyful
John 14:15 says, “If you love me, keep my commandments.” When you love someone, doing things for them doesn’t feel like a chore—it feels natural and joyful. That’s what obedience to God is meant to be. It’s not about following a set of strict rules; it’s about living out your love for Him.
Wrapping It Up
Faith is the foundation, and obedience is the evidence. Together, they create a beautiful picture of what it means to walk with God. So, what can you do today to live out your faith? Maybe it’s forgiving someone, helping a neighbor, or spending a few quiet moments in prayer. Remember, it’s not about being perfect—it’s about taking small steps in trust and love.
Faith and obedience are closely linked. When you embrace both, you’ll find a deeper, more meaningful connection with God. Keep the faith—one step at a time.
In His Service,
Minister A. Francine Green
afrancinegreen.com 