“God is the One who knows what’s right for me. God is pure love, and I am the focus of His love. God will never tell me to do anything that is detrimental. Whatever He says will always end up best. Therefore, no matter what He says, I gladly choose to obey.”-John Bevere.
The fear of the Lord is obedience. When you obey God, you demonstrate awesome respect for God. Noah feared God. Abraham feared God. David feared God. Jesus feared God. The fear of the Lord brought success and victory, whereas disobedience to the Lord brings disaster. Obedience to God should not be based on fear or feeling disgruntled like God is holding out on you. Obedience to God should be done in the knowledge that God’s commands are based on the love of God. Don’t accept life below God’s standards. His life is abundant. God is infinite in wisdom and is the source of love. When He commands something, you know that it is rooted in what is best for you.
When you compromise with the devil, when you surrender your faith and your Godly standards, you fall prey to the enemy and his plan for your life. A foothold can become a stronghold if you think about it long enough. Internal escalation is a tactic of the enemy. Cast down every thought that exalts itself above the knowledge of Christ! Here are some tactics of the enemy designed to get you to compromise and surrender.
- The enemy will try to get you to question what you believe.
- The enemy will try to drive a wedge between you and God.
- The enemy will try to drive a wedge between you and those who encourage you.
- Don’t become isolated by the enemy and become his prey.
For a greater illustration of the importance of obedience and not compromising your faith, read the story of Hezekiah, the 13th King of Judah. ( 2 Kings 16:20-20:21 and 2 Chronicles 28:27-32:33 )
Thus Hezekiah did throughout all Judah, and he did what was good and right and faithful before the Lord his God-2 Chronicles 31:20