The next brick in our little house of happiness is called ‘I obey.’ Like all the other components of my structure, this little stone is very important when it occupies its proper place, for it is eternal in nature and will never cease to adorn my heart. We should pay attention to what this material is made of. Its distinctive feature lies in the word ‘I.’ This word must be present in this stone as well. Without it, the brick of ‘obedience’ will have an outward form of godliness but no human participation. The Chief Engineer will reject such material and place it in the category of dry theory that was never learned through practice.
I know the story of a man who disobeyed God’s instruction and prohibition only once, yet because of his seemingly small act of rebellion, torrents of evil, grief, and suffering poured into our world. That man’s name was Adam.
Obedience begins wherever rules and laws exist and discipline has been established. Without organization from above, everything in the Universe would descend into chaos.
Every statute and ordinance is given to be observed, and special authorities exist to ensure compliance. From a small chat group within an ordinary family or a group of people, to various movements and nations, and ultimately to our entire world, we see that laws exist everywhere. Those who obey the established order are under the protection of the authorities, while lawbreakers are pursued and punished if they are caught.
Even the animal world follows its own unwritten rules, which God governs. And Scripture says that every authority is from God.
When I obey the laws of the country in which I live, I am a law-abiding citizen, and no one bothers me. I live in peace. I attract no one’s attention.
God also has His statutes. When I study them, understand what my Creator expects of me, and live in harmony with His will, peace reigns in my heart. I rejoice in knowing that my life agrees with God’s will and bears the seal of His approval. I then become a person of great interest to the Heavenly host. All Heaven now watches me with special attention, taking note of every thought, motive, and action. And God begins to communicate with me.
I gladly listen to His still, small voice, which speaks to me without an audible sound from the pages of the Bible, through spiritual writings, from the lips of my mentors, and through my conscience.
God knows how to convey to me the laws and truths that will protect me from evil in this world. The Lord expects my obedience, yet He gives me freedom of choice.
There is a problem, however. The laws and practices of the world or society in which I live sometimes conflict with God’s requirements, and I must make decisions upon which my Eternal life and salvation depend. I may obey merely from habit, but that will not last long. If I do not know God’s plans, I will surely violate them. Therefore, I study the Creator’s will and decide how I will live from that point forward in the new light I have received.
God teaches me the truth and expects me to obey according to the light I have received.
Consider a well-ordered family in which the children have been taught the household rules and live by them. The children are under their parents’ protection, enjoy peace and joy, and plan a happy life for many years to come. Every violation is restrained through discipline. But the children grow and see other rules around them that influence them. Their young souls enter into conflict, and they make choices. As they continue to grow, they understand life better and compare the world more closely with their family. Although they know their parents’ will, teenagers sometimes choose what pleases them. If their mother and father condemn their choice, a conflict between the generations arises. With a spirit of rebellion in their hearts, the children go out into the world and begin to build their own lives. Obedient daughters and sons, whose hearts are governed by a submissive spirit, continue to live at peace with their parents. Even after becoming independent, they gladly maintain a close bond with them throughout their lives. Obedience to God’s principles, which were part of their family and which they learned from their earliest years, protects them for many years along the road ahead.
The world draws people to itself, offering its own rules and laws. But God draws everyone to Jesus. What will I choose?
There is also the problem of understanding. I read God’s law and see the letters, but I do not understand their meaning. Then, suddenly, the veil is lifted from my eyes, and I realize what God desires. At times I see myself as naked, as a lawbreaker, or as a rebel. I understand that I cannot climb out of this pit by myself. This is where grace comes into effect, and help from above is offered to me. What will I choose? I cannot resist the power of sin on my own, but God’s grace accomplishes my salvation and teaches me obedience. In response to repentance, I receive forgiveness and choose the path of obedience. Along with it come peace with God and happiness.
I remember when the Lord opened the fifth commandment to me and showed me how I could fulfill it. I was afraid because many barriers had been erected within me during childhood, and now I had to break them down. My father and mother continued to live as they were accustomed to living, while I needed to change. But when I began taking steps in this direction and showing love, honor, and respect to my parents, I realized what happiness it is to honor one’s father and mother. Although they do not have the light that has been revealed to me, they are glad that I take them into consideration, love them, and respect them. But I experience the greatest joy. What happiness it is to love those who gave you life!
The same is true of the other commandments. I am happy that I do not steal. It is so wonderful to live honestly! I simply delight in this way of life. I was not always like this, so I can compare my life before and after. I am endlessly glad that God is my Teacher, Who knows what I need to change, what to reveal to me and when, and what still needs to be perfected in me.
I obey. This tells Heaven a great deal and also places significant responsibility upon me. I have chosen the following approach to life: first, I obey God, and then I obey everything that does not contradict His will or sound judgment. I am happy with this choice.
God teaches me to obey His will even in my thoughts. Everything is under the control of my mind. And this is His Gift.
The Lord longs for all of us to be happy. With all His heart, He desires happiness for our entire world. He never ceases to pour out His blessings, hoping that people will notice Him and turn to Him with all their hearts so that they may discover what a wonderful God He is.
Look at the unhappy souls living in the world. If we dig deeper and open their hearts, we will immediately see that they do not have the light and do not abide in it. Sin drives and controls their lives, and the wages of sin is death. That is a very heavy burden. It is impossible to be happy under such dominion of evil. A world in which people become sick and die, go without water and food, and live in fear and anguish of spirit will never become a source of happiness. But we are the light of the world, and this light shines. We have something to give those who are unhappy. Will they want to listen to us? Even if they do not, let that not stop me.
I obey. This happiness can remain mine forever and become the inheritance of my children and of all those who recognize this treasure for the soul and take their stand beneath its banner.
Bible verses for this chapter:
Deuteronomy 6:25; 7:12; Matthew 12:50; Romans 5:19; 6:16; 1 Peter 1:22–23; 2 Corinthians 10:4–6; 1 Samuel 15:22–23; Philippians 2:6–8; Colossians 3:18–25