Why should we obey Jesus even if it costs us, puts us at risk, or delivers us into unknown and uncomfortable territory? Although the answers might seem simple, they require a lot from us– primarily faith, trust, and submission. In Part 1, we discussed some of the biggest reasons that we struggle to do the right thing, even as believers in Christ. Together, let’s be reminded why we should always aim to do what is right in the Lord’s eyes, and be encouraged that it is always worth it. 

Jesus Is Lord: Obedience Begins With Surrender

Although we don’t see Him ruling from His throne with our physical eyes at this time, we believe that Jesus Christ is the Almighty King of all. As He is our rightful King, we should see ourselves as His surrendered people.

Our resistance to His Lordship was once an immovable obstacle that kept us from yielding our lives to Christ. We were fully devoted to ourselves and our own ways. This resistance—this idolatry—is an entrenched part of our fallen nature. Still, it unsheathes its claws, reaching into our higher desires to do what is right.

However, submission and obedience to Jesus are inseparable from the gospel call of repentance and faith. When we were born again, we pledged allegiance to Him, turning away from sin and self-government.

Matthew 16:24–25 says, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.”

We must remember that surrendering to Jesus was not only a moment at salvation. We are to follow Him every day, returning to Him whenever we stray, as we all will. The Christian life is a life of sacrifice, and this relates greatly to our obedience.

God Is Right: His Word Guides What We Should Do

Of course, there can be complexities when discerning God’s will. Not every situation is black and white. However, we should always rely on Scripture to guide our decisions and our thinking, while praying for the Holy Spirit’s leading.

While life can be confusing, God’s Word is a beacon of clarity, wisdom, and truth. We know the Author, and we never have to question whether His revealed will is right. God wants us to tell the truth (Ephesians 4:25), prefer others above ourselves (Philippians 2:3–4), share from our wealth (1 Timothy 6:18), and honor our spouses (Ephesians 5:25; 1 Peter 3:7). He never wants us to take part in stealing (Ephesians 4:28), blasphemy (Exodus 20:7; Mark 3:28–29), or adultery (Exodus 20:14; Matthew 5:27–28)—nor even to approve of those who do evil. Instead, we are called to expose such works of darkness (Romans 1:32; Ephesians 5:11).

Since we know that God is wholly wise, good, and righteous, when we feel an inkling of doubt about whether obeying His Word is right in a given situation, we can do the only right thing—recognize the flesh at work and put it off (Romans 8:13; Ephesians 4:22). We are to believe God in all things and “let God be true though every one were a liar” (Romans 3:4).

We Live for God’s Pleasure: Obedience That Delights His Heart

Of all the verses I can think of on this subject, this is the one that most pierces my heart: “For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments. And his commandments are not burdensome” (1 John 5:3). Is this not incredibly convicting?

When we love God, we actually want to do the right thing. It isn’t because of self-righteousness or simply having a high moral standard; rather, it is because we have faith in who God is. We believe that in following His commands there is life, reward, and freedom (Proverbs 4:4; 3:1–2).

Do you ever consider that when you obey the Lord, you appear beautiful in God’s eyes? Indeed, do you take time to relish the fact that the God of the universe could derive great pleasure from your humble submission?

I do not think we are meant to ignore the inspiring love that the Father has for us, even when it feels too good to be true. We are meant to allow His pleasure to motivate us in obedience, and to comfort us when we suffer for it.

1 Peter 2:19–20 encourages us: “For this is a gracious thing, when, mindful of God, one endures sorrows while suffering unjustly… But if when you do good and suffer for it you endure, this is a gracious thing in the sight of God.”

Not far after, 1 Peter 3:4 gives women this insight into God’s delight: “But let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God’s sight is very precious.”

When we obey Him, even in small ways, we offer God something precious—and He is pleased.

Fear God Above All Else: Obedience in the Face of Opposition

In addition to our love for God, we ought to do what is right because we fear Him. Scripture reminds us that “whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin” (James 4:17). This is what we call the sin of omission. Notice that it specifically says for him it is sin. In other words, if the Lord convicts you to do what is right, you cannot point to others who neglect it. If God has placed it on your heart, then that obedience belongs to you.

Charles Spurgeon warned of this kind of failure, saying, “The sin of doing nothing is the sin that ruins many.”

Indeed, although we fear the consequences of obeying God in hard things, the Bible also says, “The fear of man lays a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD is safe” (Proverbs 29:25).

So when fear creeps in and tries to persuade you toward complacency, preach to your own heart that the Lord is on your side (Psalm 118:6; Hebrews 13:6) and that He alone is the One you are to fear (Isaiah 8:13).

We Must Act In Faith: Strengthened in God’s Word

We have explores several hindrances that keep us from doing what we know is right: our love of comfort, instincts of self-preservation, inner pragmatism, fear of man, and the lies of the world. All of these tendencies are rooted in the flesh that wages war against the Spirit (Galatians 5:17).

Whatever temptation tries to keep us from doing the right thing, we must remember that we are in God’s hands. He is able to provide everything we need in order to obey. Every step we take in the Christian life is to be a step of faith. Scripture tells us that “whatever is not of faith is sin” (Romans 14:23) and that “without faith it is impossible to please Him” (Hebrews 11:6).

Therefore, we should not be surprised that the strength to follow Jesus isn’t naturally found in us. If it were, we would have no need for faith. God delights in using weak, unskilled, and unimpressive people to accomplish His will, so that no one may boast in themselves (1 Corinthians 1:26–29).

Acting in faith is often difficult, but God’s Word gives us guidance and comfort, strengthening us to step out in obedience.

A Final Word of Encouragement: Trusting God With the Harvest

As a final word of encouragement, remember that obedience belongs to us, but the results of our deeds of faith belong to the Lord. We can plant seeds, but the Lord alone provides the harvest. This matters because our obedience can appear to bring only further toil, and we must not doubt God’s pleasure or His purposes, nor be dismayed when our efforts appear unsuccessful. Aim to please the Lord—and when you obey in faith, you can rest assured that He is pleased, whether your hopes come to pass or not.

As Scripture assures us:

“Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain” (1 Corinthians 15:58).

May this truth steady your heart and strengthen your hands as you seek to do what is right—by faith, for His pleasure, and for His glory.