OBEDIENCE vs. willfulness

Definition: Cheerfully carrying out the directions and wishes of those who are responsible for me.

Object lesson from nature: The elephant.

The elephant is one of the largest and most powerful land mammals, and yet it has a compliant and obedient nature. The elephant is used as a beast of burden in Asia and in the sub-continent of India because it combines loyal obedience with tremendous strength. Through years of training with a human master, the elephant learns to watch the trainer for silent hand signals that tell it what to do. It then quickly obeys.

God requires obedience to His Word and to those in authority over us such as pastors, elected officials, teachers and parents. Quick and willing obedience honors God and reveals what our heart is like. We will always choose to obey the one we love the most…God or ourselves.

Application: Here are five practical ways to demonstrate obedience:

·        I will obey my authorities immediately.

·        I will have a cheerful attitude.

·        I will complete all that I am expected to do.

·        I will not complain.

·        I will go the “extra mile.”

This material is gathered from the Character First Education series, Volume 1.  It can be purchased at the Character First!® website.