OBEDIENCE

Kaylee and I got the joy of speaking at the Middle school FCA huddle on Tuesday morning. We decided to speak on obedience.

The dictionary definition of obedience is compliance with a command. We must comply to God. He doesn’t give us commandments to be a party pooper or because He feels like it. He gives us these commandments because He knows they are what’s best for us. And who knows what’s better for us than our own creator. For Jeremiah 29:11 states “For know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you”.

Obedience is important. It is an act of worship. Being obedient to God shows Him how much we love Him. John 15:14 says “If you love me you will keep my commandments”. Loving Jesus means wanting to walk in his footsteps to be like Him. He literally gives us a “How to Be Like Jesus!” handbook by giving us His commandments.

We then went into talking to the Middle Schoolers about Biblical figures who embody obedience. We started off with Paul. Paul used to persecute Christians. He wasn’t only not a believer, he was AGAINST believers. God came to him in a vision in the desert and gave him instructions. By following Gods command he not only became a believer, he became one of the most faithful and firm believers in the bible. He traveled all over spreading Gods word. Think about how huge of a change happened in Paul’s heart once he started listening to Gods commandments. Think about how huge of a change can happen in YOU!

Next we spoke on Abraham. Abraham was called by God to give up his only child. That is huge. Sometimes I struggle with listening to God to get up for church on Sundays. Imagine having to sacrifice your own child. But Abraham was going to do it because He trusted God. He obeyed! And through his obedience he was blessed!

Lastly We spoke on the most prominent example of obedience to God: JESUS!!

Philippians 2:8 says “He humbled Himself while becoming obedient to death”. God told Him to die for people who sinned against Him, people who sent Him to the cross - AND HE OBEYED.

We also had the kids play a game of Simon Says. Once we were done we connected it to the lesson by telling them the world will confuse you. You have to know the difference between what is Gods voice (saying simon says before giving instruction) and what the world is telling you (not saying simon says before giving instruction). Make sure you are listening for Gods voice!