By Minister Sonnie Robinson  (July, 2025)

Let’s be honest — a lot of us wrestle with this question, whether we’ve been walking with God for years or are just getting started. Does God care that much about obedience? Is He just being demanding or controlling? Or… is there something deeper going on?

In a world where authority is often questioned and freedom is everything, the idea of “obedience” can feel outdated — maybe even a little oppressive. But when we dig into Scripture, we discover something surprising: God’s call to obedience isn’t about power or control. It’s about love, relationships, and purpose.

God doesn’t need anything from us — He’s not incomplete without our obedience. But he does want something for us. A full, meaningful, transformed life! Let’s take a closer look at why obedience matters so much to God — and why it should matter to us too.

Is God Just Demanding?

Not at all. God isn’t sitting on a throne demanding we follow rules to stroke His ego. The Bible says He’s completely self-sufficient. He lacks nothing. Acts 17:24 25 puts it plainly: “He is not served by human hands, as if He needed anything.”

So, why the call to obedience?  Because He loves us. God’s commands are less about “do this or else” and more like “follow Me and live.” He knows the pitfalls of trying to do life on our own terms. He sees the hurt, the chaos, the missed purpose — and He wants better for us. Obedience is His way of guiding us into a life that actually works.

What’s the Point of Obedience?

Obedience isn’t about checking boxes. It’s about alignment — syncing our lives with the One who created us. In Deuteronomy 10:12-13, God asks His people to walk in His ways “for your own good.”

When we follow God’s ways, we protect our hearts, grow our character, and reflect His goodness to those around us. Obedience builds strong families, healthy churches, and just communities. It’s not a prison — it’s a pathway to freedom.

Does God Get Anything Out of It?

Not in a selfish way, but obedience does bring Him glory. Jesus said in John 15:8, “By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit…”

When we obey God, we show the world who He is. Our lives become a living testimony that says: God is trustworthy. God is good. God is worth following. That kind of witness delights His heart — because it reveals His love to the world.

How Does Obedience Grow Our Relationship with God?

Here’s the beautiful part: obedience is deeply relational.  It’s how we show God we trust Him. It’s how we stay close to Him. Jesus said in John 14:23, “If anyone loves me, he will keep my word… and we will come to him and make our home with him.”

Obedience isn’t about perfection—it’s about connection. It’s about saying “yes” to God, over and over again, because we want to walk with Him, not just believe in Him.

What Does Obedience Say About God?

Every instruction God gives reveals something about His character. His commands reflect His holiness, love, wisdom, and justice. Psalm 19 says His law is perfect, trustworthy, and full of light.  As we follow Him, we grow more like Him—and that’s what spiritual maturity is all about. Obedience shapes us into people who reflect the heart of Jesus in real, everyday ways.

Obedience: A Joyful Yes!

In the end, obedience isn’t about earning God’s love—we already have it. It’s about responding to His love with trust. It’s how we say, “God, I believe You know what’s best for me, even when I don’t.”

And when we obey? It changes everything. It brings peace to our chaos. It gives purpose to our days. It makes our lives shine with His light.

So no—God isn’t demanding or controlling. He’s inviting! And obedience? It’s our “yes” to the God who never stops loving us.

So let us OBEY—not out of fear, but out of love.

Not to earn God’s favor, but because we already have it!

Blessings!