Living An Obedience-Based Life

They trusted in Him and defied the king’s command and were willing to give up their lives rather than serve or worship any god except their own God.” – Daniel 3:28b

One of the reasons why Daniel excelled in a foreign land was total and complete obedience to the words of God. The same with Joseph and those who fulfilled destiny in the Bible. In our current dispensation, those who obey God still excel in all their endeavors while those who try the short cut always end in shame.

Have you ever known someone who lived an outcome-based Christian experience? This means that their decisions are made based on the positive or negative outcome, not on absolute obedience.

Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were three men who lived an obedience-based life. When King Nebuchadnezzar passed a law that said all were to worship his idol, these young men determined they would not worship anything other than God. You can be sure these men did not make this decision at the time of the decree. Their decision actually had been made years earlier. Their convictions were already in their hearts.

Each of us must come to a place of knowing what our boundaries are in given situations. What will you tolerate from your employer? What situation crosses the line for you? Where are the boundaries for questionable practices in your life? If these are not worked out ahead, you will live a life of situational ethics, determining what decision to make based on the merits of the situation.

Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were willing to die for what they believed. In this case, they were delivered from the fiery furnace. God used their faithfulness to impact a king, and they were promoted to higher positions.

Are you an obedience-based Christian? Or are there situations that can move you based on the outcome? God wants to know that we will stand firm on the issues that are important to Him, no matter what the outcome may be. God is looking for those who are radical in their obedience. Does this describe your commitment to Christ? If not, pray for this kind of conviction. The Lord will honor you for this.

ONE OTHER THING

Do you obey God in your tithes and seed sowing?

When you give God is own portion each time you earn an income/increase, you open doors for your uncommon favor and open heaven. Your tithes, sacrificial/battle seed or building funds are the keys that open the doors for your financial breakthrough. When you comply without compromise/playing game, you give room to Divine ideas, timely destiny helpers, and God will rebuke devourers for your sake. Inconsistency in honoring God with His own share of our income is one of the banes of poverty in the body of Christ. Please be wise.