By Brenda Groves
The Post Newspaper Contributing Writer
The word “obedience” never sat well with me in my youth. It always brought images of submission, like dog training: “Sit.” “Beg.” “Fetch.”
But just recently I have learned that the word “disobedience” in the Greek language translates as “unbelief.” And there are many scriptures equating unbelief to disobedience.
“So we see that they could not enter in because of unbelief.” Heb. 3:19
“Since therefore it remains that some must enter it, and those to whom it was first preached did not enter because of disobedience.” Heb. 4:6.
Then, the opposite is also true: obedience to God is simply believing what God’s word says.
Also, the Lord equates disobedience towards God’s word to “an evil heart of unbelief.”
“Beware, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief in departing from the living God …” Heb. 3:12
I have had this condition of an “evil heart of unbelief,” even after I was born again. I still clung to religious teachings that were incorrect. (My mind is still being renewed/adjusted to His word). I loved God, but I was unbelieving in certain areas of my life.
God’s unconditional love towards me never changes, but I was in disobedience to certain things that Jesus instructed us to do, because my church doctrine did not believe in it.
Jesus told us to “teach them to observe all things that I have commanded you …” Matt: 28:20.
All things.
Not just what is convenient according to what our particular church believes, which is what a majority of the body of Christ has chosen to do.
Jesus rebuked His disciples who were operating in unbelief. He was not pleased.
“Later, He appeared to the 11 as they sat at the table and He rebuked their unbelief and hardness of heart because they did not believe those who had seen Him after He had risen.”
Now, stop and think about it: would you have believed in Jesus’ resurrection?
Or would you be like doubting Thomas in that you refused to believe unless you see?
I have already dealt with this in my heart when I became a disciple of Jesus, and sadly, I think I would have probably acted in disbelief like the others.
But praise God for His mercies!!!! Despite the hardness of our hearts, He still chooses to trust us with the Great Commission.
God, in His Sovereignty, in His very next sentence gives/offers all who will believe salvation and along with this, His authority to act on His name.
”Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned.
And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues; they will take up serpents, and if they drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.” Mark 16:15-18
How does the Lord confirm the Gospel message?
“And they went out and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them and confirming the word through the accompanying signs. Amen.” Mark 16:20
The Holy Spirit has stirred this up in me once again. His love compels me to pray this prayer many times: “I believe Lord, help my unbelief” and be obedient to His word.
I have stopped saying, “use me Lord,” to “Lord, make me usable.”
Sadly, today a large part of the body of Christ has limited the Holy Spirit from doing what He wants to do in our lives and those around us. “Yes, again and again they tempted God, and limited the Holy One of Israel.” Psalm 78:41
It is possible to limit God in the “abundant life” that He has provided for us here on this earth through His Son.
Our response by faith in what God has sovereignly provided by grace through His Son Jesus, this pleases our Heavenly Father.
Today, I am choosing to walk in obedience, believe His word, take the limits off of God, and allow Him to work through me, so that “His kingdom come, His will be done on earth as it is in heaven.” Matt. 6:10.
And I have confessed with my mouth the Lord Jesus … and believed in my heart … that God has raised Him from the dead … and I am saved. For with the heart … I believe unto righteousness, and with my mouth I am confessing salvation … in every area of my life.
For the Scripture says, “Whoever believes on Him will not be put to shame.” Romans 10: 9-11
I believe.
Contact Brenda Groves at: bkgroves1996@yahoo.com
