Obedience, No Matter What

Trust and obey, for there's no other way

To be happy in Jesus but to trust and obey.

That's an old refrain from another day and time. The truth remains true (funny how truth is like that) but I'm not sure our understanding of those words is as clear.

Obey - to comply with or follow commands, restrictions, wishes, or instructions

I get the feeling today that obedience in many if not most situations is subject to circumstance.

"But Mom, I couldn't do it because I got this text from a friend and had to..."

"I know the assignment was due today but last night I just wasn't feeling my best and..." 

"My work shift was scheduled to start ten minutes ago but there was snow on the windshield and..."

With genuine incredulity we stand amazed as the boss, teacher, or mom cites that instruction was disregarded, commands ignored, requirements disparaged. Lucky us if that is the case. At least we are in the company of those who have a correct assessment of the value of obedience.

More often, unfortunately, we may actually be coddled and excused from the failure to comply or follow through. Apparently disobedience is too strong of a word, too harsh an accusation to levy on an employee, student, or child.

Oh, how we fail to understand. And oh, how we fail to instruct.

There is right and wrong.

There is wisdom and foolishness.

There is obedience and disobedience.

It is clear. God is not a trickster who delights in keeping us clueless. His Word teaches us the difference between right and wrong and to recognize disobedience.

Open the Word and learn. Then teach your children. Practice discipline as the deserved consequence to be expected. Demonstrate mercy as the generous alternative that is not deserved. 

They will know the wrong of disobedience and the grateful heart of one who understands mercy.