A Bad Attitude Prevents Action

by David Rollert

We all know how important it is to be obedient to God and follow His word. These facts should not be news to any off us. Yet, sometimes obedience feels difficult. Sometimes we try to find every excuse we can to avoid obedience to God and His word. Why is that? You would think that if we know how important obedience is, then actually obeying would be easy. But it often is not easy. For many, the reason obedience is difficult is because of their attitude about the concept of obedience itself. For others, obedience is difficult because of their attitude about the specific commands they need to obey.

The Concept of Obedience: We live in a society that values individuality and praises the rebel spirit. Many modern movements preach the idea that no one should be able to tell you what to do, and if someone tries, then it is your duty to push back. This ideology can be seen in the hippy movement, modern feminism, skater culture, rock culture, rap culture, even in movements such as μολὼν λαβέ (molon labe). This ideology has shaped the thinking of multiple generations. So, for many modern people the concept of obedience is odious to them. To be sure, the rebel spirit can be good when directed against corruption and sin. However, when that rebellious spirit is directed toward God, it has eternal consequences.

Specific Commands: Some people may not have a problem with the concept of obedience, but instead have bad attitudes about specific commands. Why would a person have a bad attitude, but only about specific commands? Generally, because they want to do what that command forbids. Most often people have a pet sin that they want to keep. Yet, God’s word tells them they need to cast away that sin. So, they become resentful that God is being so restrictive or taking away their fun.

Attitude Often Dictates Action: So, what is the solution to these problems? The answer is to change our attitude about the concept of obedience, as well as the specific commands. The psalmist writes, “Praise the Lord! How blessed is the man who fears the Lord, who greatly delights in His commandments” (Psalm 112:1). Notice the text does not say, “who puts up with” or “who grudgingly follows” God’s commandments; it says, “who greatly delights.” We must change our thinking to rejoice or delight in God’s commands. When we are rejoicing about God’s commands, then we will be eager to obey those commands.

How to Foster Delight in God’s Commands: Often people have bad attitudes about God’s commands because they don’t understand the benefit of them. So, one of the best things we can do is seek to understand why God gave those commands. Find out what benefit is He intends for us in the command. Discover the pain and problems He wants us to avoid. God does not make arbitrary, useless commands. Each of His commands benefits us in some way - even if we don’t see it at the moment.