What a Life of Obedience Looks Like
Discover how true obedience leads to a life of peace and purpose
I recently read The Awe of God by John Bevere, and it gave me a better understanding of what it means to truly honour God. If you desire a deeper, more intimate relationship with God, I recommend this book. One of the key takeaways for me was the connection between obedience and the fear of the Lord. When we truly stand in awe of God, obedience is not a burden—it is a privilege. It is not about rules, traditions, or the law but about trusting and honouring or respecting God so much that we want to follow His ways wholeheartedly.
What does awe mean? Awe is something that is more than admiration or respect—it is a deep, overwhelming sense of reverence, wonder, and fear in the presence of something far greater than ourselves. When we stand in awe of God, we recognise His infinite power, holiness, and majesty. It is the realisation that He is the Creator of the universe, the King of kings, and yet He knows us personally and loves us deeply. It is something that words can’t describe; it is unthinkable and yet it is true.
The fear of the Lord is not a fear that drives us away from Him but a fear that draws us closer. It is a holy reverence (respect) that makes us take His Word seriously, seek His presence, and desire to obey Him fully. This kind of awe changes how we live and shifts our priorities to surrender to His will.
True obedience flows from a heart that stands in awe of God. When we understand His greatness—His holiness, power, and love—we don’t obey out of obligation or fear of punishment. We obey because we trust that His ways are always better than ours. We understand that His commands are for our good and that we can live a life of purpose and peace.
The book highlights four key aspects of obedience that I had to deeply reflect upon:
Instant Obedience—God expects us to respond and act immediately when He speaks. Delayed obedience is still disobedience. The longer we hesitate, the more room we give for doubt and fear to take over.
Complete Obedience—Partial obedience is not obedience. We must follow God fully, with our whole heart, mind, and strength, not just when we feel like it or when it is convenient.
Joyful Obedience—Our attitude matters. Reluctant or unhappy obedience is not true obedience. When we obey with joy, trusting that God's plans are good, our hearts are transformed.
Consistent Obedience—Obedience is not a one-time act but a lifestyle. On a daily basis we must be faithful in small areas like prayer, kindness, and integrity.
There have been times in my life when I had to make life-changing decisions. God led me in a direction, and at first I was hesitant, not knowing that I was doing the right thing. But I have chosen to do it and trust in Him. Since then, I have seen His faithfulness unfold. Obedience brings peace and opens doors that we cannot achieve on our own. In fact, it aligns us with God's perfect plan.
If you feel God wants you to do something, trust Him. Don’t wait for perfect conditions or full understanding. When we live in awe of God, obedience is not a struggle; it is a response of love. And when we follow in His ways, we experience His presence and His purpose for our lives.
Baie goed, Oom.