January | Obedience
Doing what I’m told to do, when I’m told to do it, with the right heart attitude.
The willful submission to the authority that God has placed over us.
The way we show God that we believe He will do what He said He will do.
The way we show our love for God.
Valuable Verses
“If you love me, you will obey what I command.” John 14:15
“Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.” Ephesians 6:1
“We know that we have come to know him if we obey his commands.” 1 John 2:3
“Then he said to them all: ‘Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.’ ” Luke 9:23 (25 in 25 Verse)
A Word of Encouragement
As a believer, obedience is not something that you have to do, it is something that you want to do. You desire to obey God and His Word. It is important to note that as kids, students, and adults, we are not going to be able to fully obey 100% of the time. Though this is a goal worthy of striving for, there are going to be times we fail. Instead of getting frustrated by our failures, ask God for help! We know the areas where we struggle to obey. Instead of focusing on our failures, ask God daily to help you choose His ways and not yours. Matthew 7:14 tells us that only a few follow the narrow road that leads to life. Following God and being obedient to His instruction is not easy, but He has given believers the Holy Spirit to help us choose God’s way and not our way. Although not easy, a life of obedience to God is always the best life to live.
Get the Conversation Going
Take a moment to discuss these questions as a family.
• What does it mean to obey God out of desire rather than obligation? How can we keep a desire to obey God in our daily lives?
• Why is it important to recognize that we will not be able to fully obey God all the time? How can acknowledging our weaknesses help us grow in our faith?
• In what ways have you experienced the Holy Spirit’s guidance in your life?
•What can we do as a family to make sure we stay obedient to God and His will for us?
Gospel Connection
Jesus states in John 6:38 that He came from heaven not to do His will but to do the will of His Father. If not for Jesus and His obedience to God the Father even to His death on the cross, there would be no ‘good news’ of the gospel. It’s only through the obedience of Jesus (His death, burial, and resurrection) that we can be saved.
Be sure to check the monthly activity page for age-appropriate ideas and ways to practice obedience.
