John Ortberg writes: “Obedience has become the virtue that nobody wants.”*

What does he mean?

The apostle Peter says that to “make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue” (2 Peter 1:5). Patience is a virtue, as we often hear. So is kindness. So is loyalty. But many people find obedience a tougher pill to swallow.

Perhaps it is because we don’t like the idea of being told what to do. “I’m independent and strong. I already know best.” We might not say those words out loud, but do we think them?

Or perhaps we think obedience means “blind obedience” or that we shouldn’t use our brains. But that’s to miss the point. 

A missionary was trying to translate the Bible into a foreign language. He was having trouble translating the word “obedience.” He took a break from his work and called over his dog. As soon as he did, his dog instantly and faithfully ran over to his Master. 

One of the locals said: “Your dog was all ear.” It was a local expression that meant to be attentive and loyal to someone’s voice. At that moment, the translator knew exactly how to translate the word “obedience.”** 

To be obedient is “to be all ear” to the will of God in your life. It is to listen and respond faithfully to God because you know that your Master knows best.

When we pretend to know better than God, it’s as if we are asking God to remove himself from the equation. Yikes!

Instead of obedience being the virtue nobody wants, what if it became the consistent and powerful lifestyle of people who humbly admit that God knows better than we do.

Today, let’s be “all ear” to our Redeemer, Shepherd, and Lord.

Notes:

-“When following God’s commandments feels difficult.” Click here. Sermon. 

-* John Ortberg, Eternity is Now in Session (Tyndale House, 2018), 117.

-**Jim George, One-Minute Insights for Men (Eugene: Harvest House Publishers, 2013), 23

-Bible quotes are from the ESV.