“As the Lord commanded his servant Moses, so Moses commanded Joshua, and Joshua did it; he left nothing undone of all that the Lord commanded Moses.” (Joshua 11:15)

Thankfully it’s very rare when this happens, but yesterday our children disobeyed and continued to use their iPad after their mom clearly told them to stop. Because of that they were disciplined and also lost some privileges they would have gained for later that day, had they been obedient to our instruction.

Obedience is defined as dutiful or submissive compliance to the commands, requests, or law of one in authority. While living a Christian life certainly isn’t all about following rules, God does call us to obedience to His commands. Like a loving parent looking out for their children, God likewise sets boundaries to bless us, protect us, and give us the ability to demonstrate a life of submission and surrender to Him.

Joshua was appointed to bring the nation of Israel into the Promised Land. In doing so, the Lord commanded Joshua to lead the Israelites into victory over the inhabiting Canaanites, as an instrument of His judgment upon them. The Canaanites were despicably evil and carried out every abomination against the Lord (Deut. 12:31). In order to take the land, it first had to be ridden of the very people and things that would draw Israel into sin against God.

Joshua was careful to obey every command and instruction given to him, whether it came through Moses or the Lord directly. Out of his totally sold out heart to follow God, he left “nothing undone.” As difficult as it may have been, he chose to trust and obey, and each time he did God provided the victory. When we obey His Word, the Lord enables us to be prosperous and successful in all that He calls us to (Joshua 1:8).

Knowing this, let us not obey merely out of obligation, to avoid discipline, or to inherit blessings, but rather, let us choose to obey out of our love for Him. For true obedience to God reflects a heart and desire to follow Him (John 14:23).

Jesus says, “If you love me, you will keep my commandments” (John 14:15). May we be like Joshua and joyfully pick up our cross daily and follow Jesus, knowing that He is good and we will bring glory to His Name!

Our obedience is a response of love.