Eight Marks Of Christian Obedience

Christians are called to be obedient.  Christ is not merely Savior, but Lord.  He is our master and King.  Christianity is not merely a matter of belief, but of behavior.  We must be doers of the Word, and not hearers only.  We must strive not merely for orthodoxy (right belief), but orthopraxy (right living).  The following list describes the kind of obedience that God requires and rewards:  

1) Obey COMPLETELY.  Obey every command; don't leave any out.  Jeremiah 20:23 “Follow every way I command you so that it may go well with you.”   

2) Obey CONSTANTLY.  Not just Sunday, but every day.  Not just at church, but everywhere.  Not just with others, but even when you are alone.  Psalm 119:44 “I will always obey your instruction, forever and ever.” 

3) Obey CAREFULLY.  Study the Scriptures diligently so that you obey all of God's word exactly as He has directed.  Carefully consider how God would have you apply His commands to your life.  Deuteronomy 8:1 “Carefully follow every command I am giving you today” 

4) Obey CURRENTLY.  Delayed obedience is disobedience.  Psalm 119:6 “I hurried, not hesitating to keep your commands.”

5) Obey COURAGEOUSLY.  No matter the cost.  Even if you are the only one.  Joshua 1:7 "Above all, be strong and very courageous to observe carefully the whole instruction my servant Moses commanded you. Do not turn from it to the right or the left, so that you will have success wherever you go."

6) Obey CHEERFULLY.  Not with a bad attitude, but with joy, trusting the God's commands are for your good and God's glory.  Philippians 2:14 "Do everything without grumbling and arguing."

7) Obey CHIEFLY.  Obey Christ before any human authority.  His will comes first.  Acts 5:29 "Peter and the apostles replied, 'We must obey God rather than people.'"

8) Obey CHRISTIANLY.  Do not trust in your obedience for salvation, but only in Christ.  Do not take pride in your obedience, but boast only in the cross.  Philippians 3:3 "For we are the circumcision, the ones who worship by the Spirit of God, boast in Christ Jesus, and do not put confidence in the flesh."