Street Smart

Stop! Have you given much thought to the fact that obedience, which is trusting those who lead you by doing what you’re asked to do, is one of those “different” virtues? God is God; He is the ultimate Authority. No one outranks Him. So He doesn’t obey anyone, right? However, Jesus obeyed His Father (John 9:4), and it’s certainly a proper response from us toward God. In fact, “this is love for God: to obey his commands” (1 John 5:3, NIV). What a premium God places on obedience! He would rather have our obedience than sacrifice (1 Samuel 15:22).

But, oh my, what a difficult time we have obeying! And that difficulty is not limited to childhood. (How many traffic laws have YOU broken, for instance, in your driving career?) So of course the Bible is full of examples of people obeying (and disobeying) God and the consequences thereof! Remember Jonah? Could there be many more vivid examples of what happens when we obey God? Or the fact that there are consequences when we don’t? It’s a good thing God is patient and forgiving and the God of second chances.

So this month we’re focusing on the who and the why and the how of obedience. Not because God is waiting to zap us when we cross the line (like a traffic cop lying in wait with his radar gun), but because He cares for us. He wants a relationship with us and for us to have a part in His big plan, so He wants to help us avoid breakdowns, dead ends, and even the minor potholes along the way. So here’s the lineup for the month:

Week 1: It’s always better to do what God says the first time.
(The story of Jonah; Jonah 1-3)

Week 2: How I obey my parents shows what I think about God.
(Children, obey your parents; Ephesians 6:1-3)

Week 3: Obeying your leaders can help you know God.
(The Lord calls Samuel; 1 Samuel 3:1-19)

Week 4: It’s right to listen to God because He is GOD.
(Adam and Eve disobey; Genesis 3:1-24)

Week 5: 5th Week Special Edition: How can you know what to do if you don’t know what God says? (the wise and foolish builders; Matthew 7:24-29)