Disciples of Lord Jesus Christ are expected to be obedient to God, His laws and His will. “I hasten and do not delay to keep your commandments.” (Psalms 119:60) “If you love me, you will keep my commandments.” (John 14:15) However, human response is not always spontaneous and implicit obedience. There are different shades of obedience.
1) Delayed obedience: In the parable to Two Sons, the first son refused to go and work in father’s vineyard. However, after some time, he repented and went and worked. (Matthew 21:28-32) Initially, he did not have the mind to work, but later he was choosing to obey. The Lord is patient and sometimes gives second opportunities.
2) Disobedience: The other son in the parable said enthusiastically that he will go and work. Nevertheless, he did not go. He was a hypocrite son.
3) Partial obedience: God commanded Saul to totally destroy the Amalekites. He did not destroy all, but saved some sheep and cattle, and claimed that it was for sacrifice unto the Lord. Prophet Samuel condemned him and said: “Has the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to listen than the fat of rams.” (I Samuel 15:22) Partial obedience was considered as disobedience.
4) Rebellion: This is doing something exactly opposite of what is expected. Cain brought an offering that was not prescribed by God and hence was rejected. Cain rebelled against God.
5) Perfect obedience: The Lord Jesus is our model and inspiration for obedience. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.” (Philippians 2: 8)
Regarding the Law, it is good to run away like Joseph did from seducing the wife of Potiphar. In doing God’s will, God may be gracious to give a second chance, like that of the Son who refused to go at first instance; not always.
Is my love for the Lord evident in my obedience?