The fruit of obedience

King Jotham became powerful because he was careful to live in obedience to the LORD his God. (2 Chronicles 27:1, 6 NLT)

When we fully obey, the power of the Lord is manifested and evident in our lives which includes blessings and favor, spiritually and physically. To properly obey is to submit to all of God's governing authorities.

When we think of obedience to the Lord, we think we need to be told something directly by the Lord to obey. Yet, since many Christians are full of sin or are babies, they cannot properly discern the voice of God nor are they able to hear HIS direct voice. Therefore, we must start at the basics. The first basic is to read and reading the bible praying without ceasing as God is speaking to us through the Word. We learn HIS ways through the Word.

We show God we are obeying HIM by first obeying HIS Word. His Word says that all authority comes from HIM. As we read HIS Word we come to realize that there are no authorities except the ones God has chosen. Scripture commands us to obey all those who rule over us.

Romans 13:1-2 (NIRV) All of you must obey those who rule over you. There are no authorities except the ones God has chosen. Those who now rule have been chosen by God. 2 So whoever opposes the authorities opposes leaders whom God has appointed. Those who do that will be judged.

Who are those who rule over us? They are our selcular leaders. They are our governments. Scriptures states they serve God. HE has appointed them whether our opinion of them is good or bad. God carries HIS anger through the rulers of the world.

Romans 13:3-5 If you do what is right, you won’t need to be afraid of your rulers. But watch out if you do what is wrong! You don’t want to be afraid of those in authority, do you? Then do what is right, and you will be praised. 4 The one in authority serves God for your good. But if you do wrong, watch out! Rulers don’t carry a sword for no reason at all. They serve God. And God is carrying out his anger through them. The ruler punishes anyone who does wrong. 5 You must obey the authorities. Then you will not be punished. You must also obey them because you know it is right.6 That’s also why you pay taxes. The authorities serve God.

Therefore, when citizens of a nation continue to bash and slander their leaders for policy they do not agree, they are slandering against God's appointed. Many, without realizing, are upsurping God's authority. They have no fear of God.

Ephesians 6:5(NIRV) Slaves, obey your masters here on earth. Respect them and honor them with a heart that is true. Obey them just as you would obey Christ.

In today's term, slaves would be considered employees and masters here on earth are the bosses and employers. God commands us to respect our bosses and employers honoring them with a true heart. We are to work as though we are working for Christ. But sadly, too many Christians disrespect and dishonor their bossess slandering them.

When we slander our secular leaders, employers, or bosses, we are slandering against God. How can such people respect spiritual authority when they cannot respect natural authority?

This is why many are still the tail and the borrowers when we are to be the head and the lenders. It is because many Christians have yet to learn simple obedience and honor to the Lord. What is manifested in your life is the harvest of your sowing. If we sow obedience to the Lord, just as King Jotham, we will harvest blessings, power, and anointing for our kingdoms.

Rather than slandering and getting mad at our government, employers, pastors, and rulers, we should pray for them. For their welfare is our welfare.

Jeremiah 29:7 (NLT) And work for the peace and prosperity of the city where I sent you into exile. Pray to the Lord for it, for its welfare will determine your welfare.”

Glory to HIM
Pastor Steve Yong Kim