Every father and mother knows that one of the greatest joys in life is seeing your children obey – immediately, cheerfully, and when they don’t even know that you are watching. Our Heavenly Father is no different, except for the fact that He is always watching.

Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ; As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance: But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy. And if ye call on the Father, who without respect of persons judgeth according to every man’s work, pass the time of your sojourning here with fear…

1 Peter 1:13-17

Soon we will all meet at the Father’s house. Every child of God will give an account of his life. On that day the one thing that will matter is obedience, and that is the one thing that matters today. Am I living in obedience to God?

• Am I obedient to the principles of God’s Word? Obedience always begins with the revealed will of God. Do not expect the Lord to say more to you than He has already said in His Word! The Father’s Word should be enough.
• Am I obedient to the promptings of God’s Spirit? The Lord lives in us in the person of the Holy Spirit. He also leads us by the promptings of the Holy Spirit. As we live in the Word the Spirit of truth begins to guide our thoughts and direct our steps. Learn to speak to Him and to listen to His voice.
• Am I obedient to the precepts of God’s counsellors? The Lord often sends messenger with wisdom that is needed for life. Do not ignore the wise counsel of God’s servants. The message may come through many avenues but the truth comes from one Source.

Regardless of how old you may be you are still one of God’s children. Knowledge and experience are no substitute for obedience. Nothing is. The Lord said as much to King Saul, “To obey is better than sacrifice” (1 Samuel 15:22). Obedience is always better.

Our God is a faithful Father; He deserves obedient children. Determine to obey Him every day, in every detail and decision in life. Your obedience will bring Him great joy.