Are You Guilty of Obedience or Rebellion?
The “guilt” of obedience often comes from feeling that submitting to authority or rules is inherently wrong, or from believing that one’s motives are always tainted by selfishness, but Scripture (GOD’s Word) teaches and shows (by affirmation) that genuine, imperfect obedience is what pleases Him.
“I” am GUILTY of being DIS-obedient to the Truth of the Scriptures AND Life of Jesus. Am I consistently walking away from trusting and submissive to the Son? No! However, I am VERY good at choosing my folly.
Who I am though, is a man who desires to be free of this immaturity and rebellion. Am I free to call it ignorance? I am, but I should not. Why not? I know what pleases the LORD GOD and His Son. I KNOW…!
In some areas, locations and contexts, obedience is tied to SELF‑sacrifice, loss of MY autonomy, or suppression of MY personal desires. This can create a sense of guilt, especially if a person feels their will is being overridden without full understanding or consent.
If we look at this from a purely secular or even cultural terms, obedience may be linked to fear, control, or coercion, which can make it feel burdensome or “wrong”
HOW-E-VER, in the Biblical view (bias meant), the guilt of a person (man) can also stem from the belief that human nature is so corrupted that any obedience is inevitably “polluted” by selfish motives. I can see that. Are you able or willing to understand this applies to all of us?
The “guilt feelings” many sense when obeying any authority (…especially GOD’s) often stems from two mistaken beliefs:
NOTE 1: Obedience is inherently wrong, if a person is submitting to rules is always morally corrupt.
NOTE 2: A person’s motives are always corrupted by their selfishness. If this is true, even good actions are suspicious.
Scripture, however, affirms that the Holy One values genuine, yet imperfect obedience. Think on this… The “heart” that seeks to associate with His will, even when the believer is still flawed is the heart that is courts and found in the GOD of Israel’s temple.
“Be strong and courageous… for the LORD your GOD will be with you wherever you go” – Joshua 1:9. Joshua, and the descendants of Israel (and the mix-in Nations) were repeatedly told to obey GOD’s Commands, even in difficult circumstances (see also Exodus 19:3–6). In THIS, ADONAI Commands obedience.
Undoubtedly, the Bible hammers in “obedience as the path to pleasure with the Holy One,” we must know that trust and obedience are praised as pleasing to GOD. Check out Psalm 145:17, “The Lord’s ways are right; the Lord’s word is trustworthy; all he does is right” (Psalm 145:17).
NOTE: The psalmist’s trust and obedience are praised as pleasing to GOD.
Are you and I people who are feverishly pursuing the things that please the Master of the universe?
The Bible lists David as “a man after God’s own heart.” Psalm 51 tells us little of what ALL led him to pen that, but we are certain of something…he sinned and repented.
Somehow, he KNEW GOD’s grace and forgiveness were abundant! Here is maybe another nugget for you in James 2:17. In there we have a really bright light that reminds us that “faith without works is dead”, and the works include obedience, even when we act immaturely, unpolished and flat-out like a knucklehead at that particular moment.
We have located the ONLY Outlier known — Jesus. He ALONE obeyed the Father’s will perfectly, yet He also showed mercy and forgiveness toward those who failed – Luke 23:43. His obedience is the model for ours.
Ain’tcha glad?!
You should have known this was coming. IF we are looking at this from the <smiling> Hebraically (Scriptural) 66 Books Viewpoint, obedience to GOD’s Laws is not about earning Salvation (Yeshua), but about living in Covenant relationship with the Creator, Redeemer, and King. The Law (Torah) is rooted in Elyon’s character and His Covenant promises, and it is designed to bless, protect, and distinguish “His” people. <still smiling>
The Law of GOD is given because He is the LORD. He is the Unchanging, Holy, and Righteous One. His statutes and ordinances are flawless (see Psalm 19:7–9). Let’s go a few more steps down this path. These same statutes and ordinances must be kept as an act of loyalty to the Covenant.
NOTE: To obey is to affirm GOD’s Authority and trust His Word.
Are you guilty of obeying Him?
What would He say? What would His Son and spirit say? What would your neighbor, wife, children and extended family say? What would the folks you work with and for say? What would the demons say? What does the fruit of the spirit say about you?
Obeying GOD’s Laws is not inherently “guilty” (a bad thing). It is telling all present in court if you are being “charged” or not. The question is… What are you being charged with?
Observing GOD’s Word is the Way of life for His people. It IS a reflection of His Holiness, and a testimony to the world.