What Does the Bible Say About Being Obedient?

The Bible has many references to being obedient and the effects it will have on your life. Although there are different versions of the Bible, the meanings of these scriptures are still the same. Knowing what the Bible says about being obedient may have a positive effect on your spiritual walk. You will also gain a deeper understanding of what Christianity entails and the expectations that go along with it.

Types

Matthew 5:19 refers to keeping the Ten Commandments (King James Version Bible) and expresses that whoever keeps these commandments and teaches them to others will be called great in heaven. Isaiah 1:19 reads,"If you are willing and obedient, you shall eat the good of the land," suggesting that those who are obedient will reap positive benefits in life. Popular references of obedience in the Bible are also Colossians 3:20, calling for the obedience of children to their parents and John 15:10 speaks about obeying commands to abide in God's love.

Considerations

Even though some scriptures on obedience in the Bible may seem self-explanatory, everyone will have their own perspective. Your interpretation of a scripture may not fully match that of your spiritual advisor, although the conclusion may be the same. As long as the meanings behind the scriptures of obedience are generally understood, they can be helpful if applied. For instance, Colossians 3:20 simply says that the right thing for children to do is to obey their parents. This can be taken from many perspectives and conceptualized in different ways, but the meaning is generally the same.

Significance

Obedience and the nature of obedience in Bible times was the growth of a culture that generally lived in a progressive manner without the uprising of riots against Rome, which was the world power at that time. Many of the scriptures of obedience, such as Ephesians 6:5-7 often use comparisons to the servant and master relationship, which was prevalent at that time. These scriptures applied to present-day living have significant relevance, although diminished, as examples used from that time often make them confusing. The general tone of these scriptures is to do what is asked without complaint in order to reap a greater outcome in a literal, spiritual and emotional sense.

Misconceptions

Many people are led astray in their walk of faith by believing that obedience without question or common sense is what the Bible calls for. George Orwell's book, "Animal Farm," although fictional, pointed to situations where obeying without question can lead to abuse of power from those in power. Being obedient does not mean you should not think about what you are obeying. Those who twist the scriptures often use scriptures such as these to abuse power or take relationships for granted.

Benefits

The Bible usually includes the benefits of being obedient along with the scripture calling for obedience in a situation. They range from great reward in the afterlife to riches on earth. Rewards for being obedient can also come in the form of gaining a person's respect and adoration. The benefits from the calls for obedience in the Bible can also be experienced by nonbelievers, although the spiritual gains are not experienced to the same extent. Actions of obedience between those who are secular can still have a positive bearing and outcome, although they may not know they are obeying scripture.

Resources

• More about obedience in the Bible