This article is the third of a 5 part series on ROOTS. In the first one we looked the letter ‘R’ and defined it as ‘Relationships’.

The third letter in ‘ROOTS’ is ‘O’. The topic I will discuss today is OBEDIENCE.

Let’s take a look at what God thinks about obedience here in this scripture below. 

“But Samuel replied, “What is more pleasing to the LORD: your burnt offerings and sacrifices or your obedience to his voice? Listen! Obedience is better than sacrifice, and submission is better than offering the fat of rams.” ~ 1 Samuel 15:22 

Clearly God prefers obedience over anything that you may give up. Since this is so important to God I will do a short study on obedience. 

The root word for obedience is obey. The Biblical word for “obey” comes from the Greek “hupakou“ which means to listen attentively. 

Obedience Listens. The first thing about obedience I want you to know is that you can not obey if you aren’t listening. You can not listen if you are noisy.  You must study to be quiet. So that you may hear the voice of the Lord and obey Him.(1 Thessalonians 4:11)

Obedience is Love.The second thing about obedience that you need to know is that it’s how you show God that you love Him. If we love Him we will keep His commandments. (2 John 1:6)

Obedience is Self-Discovery. The third thing is obedience is key in discovering yourself. If you look into the mirror of the word and do not obey it then you forget who you are. So, walking in obedience is key to self discovery. (James 1:23-24)

Obedience is Success. The last thing I will look at in our study on obedience is that it is vital to your success in life. (Deuteronomy 5:33)

May Holy Spirit help you to listen and walk in obedience so that you will grow strong roots and bear fruit that will remain!