“Submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.”—James 4:7
Obedience.
We don’t always like that word. For some, it evokes rebellion, fear, and memories of harsh discipline or heavy restriction.
But obedience is often misunderstood and misinterpreted.
Obedience, in the right context, is a powerful weapon of spiritual warfare!
In our world, obedience is often seen as an act of subservience. We try to teach children to obey parents, teachers, and leaders, but if there are selfish, greedy people in authority, they do little to inspire anyone’s confidence, much less obedience.
When children have been abused, they grow up believing that authority is cruel, and obedience is an act of weakness.
When we fear being controlled, we resist.
But obedience to a cruel taskmaster is not what God intended.
Hebrews 13:17 tells us, “Obey those who rule over you, and be submissive, for they watch out for your souls, as those who must give account. Let them do so with joy and not with grief, for that would be unprofitable for you.”
We are exhorted to obey, knowing those in authority will be held accountable.
When we hold back any territory of our lives from obedience to the Lord, we start to lose ground. We lose traction on the road of life and start slipping in the muck and messiness of sin and pain.
When we obey, surrendering our wills, resources, marriages, families, and futures to the Lord, we break the enemy’s power to control our lives. We step into the realm where God desires to bless us.
Jesus surrendered His will (“Your will be done,” He said to the Father). His obedience broke the power of sin and Satan forever!
We are in a battle. “The devil walks about like a roaring lion seeking whom he may destroy” (1 Peter 5:8).
There are “rulers, authorities, powers, and spiritual forces of evil” determined to take us down.
Obedience is a powerful weapon.
When we stand in obedience, the devil must flee.
Obedience to the Lord gives us authority over sin. Consistent faith beats down the schemes of evil. As we stand our ground in obedience to Christ, the devil runs and leaves us free, strong, and victorious.
“God’s commands are designed to guide you to life’s very best. You will not obey Him if you do not believe Him and trust Him. You cannot believe Him if you do not love Him. You cannot love Him unless you know Him.” —Henry Blackaby
