... to be submissive to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work ...

Titus 3:1

Obedience is not a popular concept. Obedience is for children. We adults desire to be autonomous, obeying only the laws and rules we choose. (Speed limits have never been my favorite.)

Too often we forget God’s requirement for obedience. “... Take every thought captive to obey Christ ...” 2 Corinthians 10:5. This obedience is not demanded by an uncaring dictator; it is a response of love to our dear Heavenly Father. His son, Jesus, is a perfect example of obedience. “... He humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.” Philippians 2:8. In Jesus’ resurrection resides the Spirit’s power to live an obedient life, our thank offering to God. Could our obedience become an opportunity to share our faith with those around us?

Jill Rodenbeck
Fort Wayne, IN

Dear Heavenly Father, bless our lives with obedience to you. Amen.

Reflect: Consider which stray thoughts need to become captive to obey Christ.

Read: 1 Peter 1:13-15 and Romans 6:16-18