Read: Ephesians 6:1-4

Growing up, I was taught the benefits of obedience at an early age. If I obeyed my parents, I was protected from a lot of pain, I was rewarded and I was blessed. But if I disobeyed, I was punished and penalized. I also learned that both delayed and partial obedience are disobedience. Instant and complete obedience was the key to protection, reward and blessing.

We see examples of full obedience, partial obedience, and outright disobedience throughout the Bible. In 1 Samuel 15, the prophet Samuel told King Saul, when Saul disobeyed God in order to make sacrifices to God, that obedience is better than sacrifice. Saul partially obeyed God so that he could do what he thought was right, but Samuel informed him otherwise. Samuel was demonstrating to King Saul that even partial obedience is disobedience.

Paul, who knew what it meant to obey God, wrote to the church in Ephesus, “Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. Honor your father and mother—which is the first commandment with a promise—so that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth” (Ephesians 6:1-3). Paul was saying in order to receive God’s promises, you must first obey. Our obedience always precedes God’s promises. When you walk away from obedience to God, you are also choosing to walk away from God's protection, provision and promises.

Don’t delay full obedience to God. Listen to and obey Him completely. Allow your obedience to unlock the promises of God in your life.

Reflect:

• Where in your life are you delaying or ignoring obedience to God? How can you start to fully obey Him?
• Where have you seen God's promises come true in your life because of your obedience to Him? Thank Him for His faithfulness!