Why Following God Matters More Than You Think
Have you ever noticed that when people in the Bible received blessings—from healing to forgiveness—it was almost always because they acted on what God told them? Obedience was the key.
Simple Stories, Big Lessons
Let’s look at the story of the ten lepers (Luke 17:14). These men were desperate to be healed, but instead of healing them right away, Jesus told them, “Go show yourselves to the priests.” The priests were the ones who had banished them, so it probably didn’t make much sense. The lepers could have questioned Him, but instead, they simply followed His instructions. As they walked away, they were healed—right in the act of obeying.
Think about this in your own life. You might want to be free from something bad—maybe you call it “the leprosy of sin.” The answer is often just to do what God asks, even if you don’t feel like it or don’t understand why. It’s a bit like going to school as a kid: you may not always want to go, but you do anyway, and it helps you grow.
Another example: Jesus told a blind man, “Go, wash in the pool of Siloam” (John 9:7). The man listened, and as he washed, he gained his sight. Similarly, the prophet Elisha told Naaman, “Go and wash in the Jordan seven times” (2 Kings 5:10). Naaman obeyed, and he was cured. In all these stories, blessings came through simple obedience.
You Don’t Need to Be an Expert
God isn’t asking us to get a degree in theology or become experts in religious debates. The Bible points out, through the example of Moses, that obedience matters: more than fifty times, it says, “Moses did as the Lord commanded him.” That’s how Moses came to have such confidence and trust in God.
Old Matthew Henry said, “If you live by the gospel precepts, you may live on the gospel promises.” That means if you follow what God teaches, you’ll enjoy what He promises.
The Gospel is Simple and Timeless
Sometimes people feel confused by all the philosophies or substitutes for the gospel out there. But the real gospel—the good news about Jesus—is clear and straightforward. You don’t need to be a scholar to understand it. A loving parent sharing Christ’s love with a child can do more than shelves of theology books.
The gospel is like an ancient treasure that, when uncovered from all the stuff piled on top, shines with beauty and attracts everyone. There’s no need for fancy arguments or scientific explanations. Just as only someone who’s been healed knows what healing feels like, only those whose spiritual eyes have been opened can truly see the light and peace God offers.
Obedience Opens the Door
When you follow God, even in simple ways, blessings follow. It’s not about complicated rituals or trying to figure out everything first. Just trust and obey—and watch what God does in your life.