From a very young age, we learn the importance of listening to authority. As a result, we obey our parents, placing their counsel above our own. If spirit-led, this relationship should mirror our connection with our heavenly father.

Obedience builds character. When God gives us instruction, the only thing standing in our way is ourselves. The act of completely submitting to God’s will and putting his desire before our own can be difficult. We often don’t immediately see the benefit, and it seems like a hardship at that moment.

The practice of obedience

To cultivate a practice of obedience, we must change our mindset. For many, obedience means servitude or conformity. In the Kingdom of God, serving is an act of love. The Lord would never ask you to change or go along with an idea for the acceptance of others. He loves you the way you are. An obedient mindset affirms the value of obedience. It is powerful and opens the door to freedom and independence, not bondage.

The Israelites had moved about in the wilderness forty years until all the men who were of military age when they left Egypt had died, since they had not obeyed the LORD.

Joshua 5:6

There are many bible verses on obedience and its importance. Some of my favorites include:

1. “Therefore you shall love the Lord your God, and keep His charge, His statutes, His judgments, and His commandments always.” Deuteronomy 11:1 

2. “But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do.” James 1:25 

3. “Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. Honor your father and mother, which is the first commandment with promise: that it may be well with you and you may live long on the earth.” Ephesians 6:1-3 

4. “If you love Me, keep My commandments.” John 14:15 

5. “And this is love: that we walk in obedience to his commands. As you have heard from the beginning, his command is that you walk in love.” 2 John 1:6 

Obedience draws us closer to the promises of God. While disobedience delays God’s blessings. Look at the Israelites who spent 40 years in the wilderness on a journey that should have taken them 11 days. (Deuteronomy 1:2) Obedience builds character because it is an act of love, faithfulness, and self-control.

An act of love

It is easy to proclaim that you love someone, but your actions always reveal what is in your heart. God’s word says that if we truly love him, we will obey his commands. (John 14:15) 

Adherence to God’s instruction demonstrates your devotion to Christ. Obedience is the expression of this love. As you continue to practice love for him, you learn how to love yourself and others. 

And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.

Hebrews 11:6

An act of faithfulness

God is faithful to his promises and asks that we also walk in faith. Without faith, we cannot please God. (Hebrews 11:6) Obedience builds character because it is an act of faithfulness. Following the command of God without full knowledge of God’s plan—which we never receive—shows an undying commitment to our Lord and Savior. 

Putting your faith in action requires confidence in what lies beyond the visible. At times your obedience may even connect to someone else’s deliverance. (Romans 5:19) Where your act of devotion creates an opportunity for them to be set free! 

An act of self-control

God doesn’t want us to obey when we want to—on our own terms. We cannot put God on our timetable. Obedience builds character because it is an act of self-control. Self-control allows us to manage our emotions and desires. While remaining loyal to the instructions of our Lord.

Related: The Purpose Of Life, Is A Life With Purpose

In the end

Obeying the Lord’s commands builds character because obedience requires love, faithfulness, and self-control. Each trait is a fruit of the Holy Spirit and signifies a reliance on him.

Obedience is the ultimate expression of our love. God states that if we love Him, we will obey him. Our faithfulness is on full display when we practice devotion to Christ. While self-control is essential when resisting our flesh in the face of temptation.

Finally, we must strengthen our will to obey. Like anything practiced, adhering to God’s instruction becomes easier over time. Remember that the reward far outweighs any difficulty.