When Obedience Is Hard - And Why It's Worthy It

Let’s be honest:  obedience is not always easy. Most of us, if we’re being real, can recall moments when we knew exactly what God wanted from us — and yet, something in us pushed back. Maybe we were tired. Maybe it was inconvenient. Maybe we were afraid of what others would think. Or maybe, we just didn’t want to do it.

If that’s ever been you, take a deep breath — you’re not alone. In fact, you’re in good company. Jesus Himself walked that same road. Hebrews 5:7–8 gives us a stunning glimpse into the heart of Jesus:  “...who, in the days of His flesh, when He had offered up prayers and supplications, with vehement cries and tears... was heard because of His godly fear, though He was a Son, yet He learned obedience by the things which He suffered.”

Just stop and think about that . . .  Jesus — the Son of God — learned obedience through suffering. Not because He was sinful, but because He was fully human. He understands the difficulty of obeying when it costs you something. That’s not just theological truth — that’s deeply comforting.

So what do we do when obedience feels hard? When it’s inconvenient, confusing, or even painful?

Let’s take a look at some of those moments — and discover why obedience, though difficult, is always worth it.

1. Obedience Is Hard When I’m Not “In the Mood”

There are days when we simply don’t feel like doing what’s right. Our emotions scream louder than our convictions. But God’s Word reminds us that faithfulness isn’t about feelings — it’s about devotion.

Paul told Timothy to be ready “in season and out of season” (2 Timothy 4:2). That means when it’s easy and when it’s hard, when we feel inspired and when we feel empty.

Love for God means showing up, even when we’re weary. As Mark 12:30 says: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.” Real love doesn’t wait for perfect conditions. It moves. It acts. It obeys. And often — maybe you’ve felt this too — when we choose to obey first, our emotions catch up. There’s peace on the other side of obedience.

2. Obedience Is Hard When It’s Not Convenient

With our world built on speed, comfort, and ease, obedience can feel like an interruption.

Felix, in Acts 24:25, listened to Paul talk about righteousness and judgment — but said, “Come back at a more convenient time.” That “better time” never came.

Convenience is a seductive idol. It whispers, “Later… when life slows down.” But Jesus said, “Seek first the kingdom of God” (Matthew 6:33). That doesn’t mean squeezing God into our leftovers — it means reordering our priorities entirely. Sometimes obedience disrupts your day. It pulls you off schedule. But that’s okay — the most important spiritual moments in our lives rarely come with a warning or fit neatly into a calendar slot.

3. Obedience Is Hard When I Don’t Understand

We like to know why. We want clarity, explanation, and logic before we take the next step. But faith isn’t built on full understanding — it’s built on trust.

“For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways,” says the Lord. (Isaiah 55:8)

Noah didn’t understand why he needed to build a boat in the middle of dry land. Abraham didn’t know where he was going when God told him to leave everything behind. And Jesus — in Gethsemane — cried out for another way. But still He said, “Not My will, but Yours be done.” (Matthew 26:39)

Obedience, especially when we don’t understand, is one of the deepest expressions of faith.

4. Obedience Is Hard When I’d Rather Do Something Else

Let’s be honest:  sometimes our desires just don’t align with God’s will. Our preferences get in the way. Proverbs 14:12 warns us:  “There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death.”

Naaman almost missed his healing because he didn’t like how God instructed him to be cleansed (2 Kings 5). His pride got in the way. And that’s often our struggle too — we want to obey, our way. But Jesus didn’t go to the cross because it was His preference. He went because it was obedience. He trusted that His Father’s way was best.

5. Obedience Is Hard When I Might Look Foolish

Sometimes we shrink back from obedience because we’re afraid of what people will think. What if they mock us? What if we lose respect? What if we seem weird or extreme? Even some of the Jewish leaders believed in Jesus, but wouldn’t confess Him. Why? “...because they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God.” (John 12:43)

That’s a powerful warning. When we let the fear of people outweigh our fear of God, we miss the chance to live courageously. 

Yes, standing for truth in a world of compromise might be awkward — even embarrassing. But it’s also beautiful. And Jesus said, “Whoever is ashamed of Me... of him the Son of Man also will be ashamed.” (Mark 8:38)

That’s not a threat — it’s a wake-up call to courage. Because true obedience isn’t ashamed to follow Christ, even when it’s unpopular.

So… What Do We Do When Obedience Is Hard?

We remember what’s at stake. We remember Who we’re following. Obedience might stretch us, cost us, and challenge us. But it also changes us. It shapes our hearts, grows our faith, and draws us closer to Christ.

Paul described the Christian life as a race — one that requires discipline, effort, and endurance (1 Corinthians 9:24–27). He didn’t run aimlessly. He trained with purpose — because he knew the prize was worth it.

And Jesus? He showed us the ultimate picture of obedience. “…who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross…” (Hebrews 12:2). He endured — and He was exalted.

Obedience is rarely easy. But it always leads to joy, as Proverbs 13:15 says, “The way of the unfaithful is hard.”

Jesus invites us into something better: “Come to Me… and I will give you rest… For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28–30)

Obedience may be hard in the moment. But it leads to peace, purpose, and life.

So when it’s hard… obey anyway. – When you’re tired… obey anyway. – When it doesn’t make sense… obey anyway.

Because God is faithful. And He never asks you to walk where He hasn’t already gone.

Obedience may be costly — but it is always, always worth it.

Guilty but Free: Christ Our Advocate

Imagine this:  you've been arrested and indicted for a very serious crime. The prosecution has done its homework. They’ve gathered the evidence, lined up the witnesses, reviewed every moment leading up to the crime. There’s no escape—they’ve got you dead to rights.

So now, you are called into court to stand trial. The judge enters the room, and everyone rises. The jury sits down, ready to hear testimony. The air is thick with tension. You know the facts. You know what you’ve done. And worst of all—you know you’re guilty.

As the hearing begins, the judge turns to the defense. He doesn’t want to hear from you—he wants to hear from your attorney—your advocate.

There’s a saying in the legal world:  “A man who represents himself has a fool for a client.” The truth is, none of us are equipped to plead our own case when the stakes are life and death. And spiritually speaking, the stakes are even higher.

Our Spiritual Trial

In many ways, this courtroom drama mirrors our spiritual reality. The Bible tells us plainly:  "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:23).

No one is innocent. We've all broken the law—not the laws of man, but the holy and perfect law of God. And the penalty? "The wages of sin is death" (Romans 6:23).

It’s not just physical death, but spiritual separation from God. If God is the righteous Judge—and He is—then we’re all standing trial in a courtroom where we deserve the maximum sentence.

The Advocate We All Desperately Need

But here's the incredible news:  We don’t have to represent ourselves. In fact, we have the best Advocate imaginable—Jesus Christ.

"But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father—Jesus Christ the righteous one" (1 John 2:1).

Jesus is our spiritual defense attorney, our representative. And He’s not just any advocate—He’s the Son of the Judge Himself. Imagine walking into a courtroom where your defense lawyer is not only perfectly righteous, wise, and persuasive—but is also the beloved Son of the One presiding.

He doesn’t stand up and try to make excuses for your sin. He doesn’t twist the truth or bargain for a reduced sentence. No—He does something far greater.

He says, “Yes, this one is guilty. But I have already paid the price.”

"He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness" (1 Peter 2:24).

"God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God" (2 Corinthians 5:21).

Jesus not only pleads our case—He takes on our punishment. He offers His perfect record in exchange for our broken one. This is not a legal loophole. This is mercy. This is love beyond comprehension.

A New Kind of Life

So what does this mean for us?

It means freedom. Not freedom to go back to our old life, but freedom to live a new one. Freedom to live not for ourselves, but for the One who saved us.

"He died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again" (2 Corinthians 5:15).

When you realize the magnitude of your guilt, and then realize the even greater depths of Christ’s mercy, something changes in your heart. Gratitude turns into devotion. Fear turns into love. And self-seeking turns into Christ-seeking.

You no longer serve God out of guilt or obligation, but out of overwhelming gratitude and awe. Our desire becomes His desire. Our purpose becomes His purpose. We live not to earn His love—but because of His love.

Living with Confidence

And here’s one of the most comforting truths of all:  your Advocate never stops defending you.

"Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us" (Romans 8:34).

Even now, Christ is seated at the right hand of the Father, speaking on your behalf. He sees your weakness, your struggle, your failures—and still He pleads, "This one belongs to Me."

He is not ashamed of you. He is not tired of defending you. He stands as your eternal representative, your faithful friend, your Savior and King.

The Final Verdict

One day, we will all stand before God’s throne. If we are in Christ, we will not stand alone. And when the Judge asks, “What is your plea?” we will remain silent, for our Advocate will speak for us.

And the verdict?  

“Not guilty.”

Not because we were innocent, but because Jesus took our guilt.

Not because we were strong, but because He was.

Not because we earned it, but because He gave it.

And in that moment, we’ll realize why we lived for Him… why we gave up our own will for His… and why we were never ashamed to follow the One who saved us.

"Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!" (2 Corinthians 9:15)

Let this truth fill you with hope, courage, and gratitude. You are represented by the very Son of God. You are loved, forgiven, and free. So live—not for yourself—but for the One who gave everything for you.

The Consumer Mindset in Church

We live in a consumer-driven culture. Whether you’re shopping for shoes, a phone, or even deciding where to eat, we are constantly presented with choices designed to cater to our preferences. 

A recent example from my own life:  I spent an entire week researching the perfect deck box. I visited Walmart, Fresno Ag, Home Depot, and scoured Amazon—comparing sizes, materials, reviews—wanting to make the right choice. It made sense; I was the customer. I had a need, and I was determined to find the product that fit my criteria.

This kind of decision-making defines much of how we live. Our culture says:  “Find what suits you best. Customize it. Choose what makes you happiest.” And that works fine—until we bring that consumer mindset into the church.

More and more people today approach church like they would a restaurant, gym, or streaming service:  “Does it meet my needs? Do I like the worship style? Is it convenient for my schedule?” If expectations aren’t met, they move on. But is this how God intended us to relate to the church?

God’s Design:  The Church is a Community, Not a Commodity

The Bible gives us a very different picture of what the church is supposed to be. It’s not a product to consume—it’s a people to belong to. When we treat the church like a product, we miss the deep, relational, God-designed reality of what it is meant to be. The Bible offers several beautiful metaphors:

The Church is a Family

In Galatians 6:10 and Ephesians 2:19, Paul reminds us that we are members of God's household. Like any family, being part of the church involves commitment, loyalty, and love—not preference or convenience. You don’t leave a family dinner just because you don’t like what’s being served. Families stick together, support each other, and sacrifice for one another. We are not just attendees—we are adopted sons and daughters of God, part of a spiritual family.

The Church is a Body

In 1 Corinthians 12, Paul describes the church as a body with many parts. Each believer plays a unique and essential role. When we disengage because something isn’t our preference, we hurt the whole body. The eye can’t say to the hand, “I don’t need you.” Every part matters, even those behind the scenes. Church isn’t about passively watching—it’s about actively participating. Consumerism says, “I’ll attend if it benefits me.” The Bible says, “You belong—and the whole body suffers without you.”

The Church is a Temple

According to Ephesians 2:20-22 and 1 Peter 2:4-5, the church is a spiritual temple where God dwells. Each of us is a “living stone” being built into something sacred. The church is not just about individual experience—it’s about what we are building together in Christ. It’s not a performance for our enjoyment—it’s a house of worship for God’s glory.

The Dangers of Consumer Christianity

When we allow the consumer mindset to shape how we engage with the church, real damage can be done—to our own spiritual growth, to the community of believers, and to our witness to the world.

Self-Centered Focus

2 Timothy 4:3-4 warns about people seeking out teachers who will say what their “itching ears want to hear.” Instead of being shaped by truth, consumer Christians seek comfort and affirmation. But true worship isn’t about entertainment—it’s about transformation.

Shallow Commitment

Hebrews 10:24-25 encourages us to meet together, spur one another on, and grow in love and good deeds. Consumer Christianity resists this. It promotes church-hopping and disengagement when things get tough. Real growth, however, happens in committed relationships over time.

Choosing a Church Biblically

Instead of choosing a church based on comfort and style, Scripture challenges us to ask:

• Is God’s Word faithfully preached? (2 Timothy 4:2)
• Is Christ the center of worship? (John 4:23-24)
• Is there authentic community and discipleship? (Acts 2:42-47)
• Are there opportunities to serve and grow? (1 Peter 4:10)
• Is the church living out God’s mission? (Matthew 28:19-20)

These are the criteria that should guide our involvement—not whether the coffee is good or the music matches our playlist.

Moving from Consumer to Contributor

So how do we make the shift?

• Examine your mindset (2 Corinthians 13:5) — Are you expecting to be served, or are you ready to serve?
• Discover and use your spiritual gifts (1 Peter 4:10) — God has equipped you for a role in His church.
• Invest in the mission (James 2:17) — Don’t just sit—serve.
• Commit to consistency (Galatians 6:9) — Don’t give up when it’s hard.
• Build relationships (Hebrews 10:24-25) — Church is about people, not just programs.

Conclusion

Let’s go back to where we started: Imagine if we treated our marriages, friendships, or families like we treat consumer goods—switching them out when they no longer “suit” us. We would never grow. We would never experience real love. That’s not how relationships work—and it’s not how the church works either.

The church is not a service to critique; it’s a spiritual family to love. It’s not a product to enjoy—it’s a body to serve. It’s not a building—it’s the temple of the living God, built from our lives, joined together for His glory.

So, let’s stop asking, “What do I get?” and start asking, “What can I give?” Let’s be contributors—not consumers—because when the church functions as God intended, it becomes one of the most beautiful, powerful, life-giving communities on earth.

The Five Principles of Discipleship: A Journey of Growth, Service, and Dependence on God

Discipleship is at the heart of the Christian life, calling believers to follow Jesus, grow in faith, and help others do the same. In Colossians 1:28-29, the Apostle Paul lays out five key principles of discipleship: proclaiming Jesus, teaching and warning with wisdom, aiming for spiritual maturity, embracing the cost of discipleship, and relying on God's power. These principles guide us in our journey as disciple-makers and strengthen our walk with Christ.

1. Proclaiming Jesus: The Foundation of Discipleship

The first and most important aspect of discipleship is proclaiming Jesus. Paul writes, “Him we proclaim” (Colossians 1:28), emphasizing that our message is not about ourselves but about Christ. As 2 Corinthians 4:5 reminds us, “For we do not preach ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord.” True discipleship centers on making Jesus known—whether to unbelievers or fellow believers—so that all may experience His love, power, and truth.

2. Teaching and Warning with Wisdom

Discipleship involves both teaching and warning. Paul states that we are to teach “with all wisdom” while also warning against errors (Colossians 1:28). Teaching involves grounding others in Scripture, equipping them to discern truth from falsehood (2 Timothy 3:16-17). At the same time, warning is necessary when believers stray from the path of righteousness (Proverbs 27:6). Speaking truth in love (Ephesians 4:15) ensures that disciples grow in their faith while being corrected with grace.

3. The Goal: Spiritual Maturity in Christ

The ultimate aim of discipleship is to “present everyone mature in Christ” (Colossians 1:28). It is not just about conversion but transformation—helping believers become more like Jesus. Maturity involves deepening faith, strengthening character, and cultivating a life of service (Ephesians 4:13). This process takes patience, perseverance, and encouragement, as growth in Christ is a lifelong journey.

4. The Cost of Discipleship

Paul acknowledges the toil and struggle of discipleship (Colossians 1:29). Jesus Himself warned of the cost, saying, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me” (Luke 9:23). Discipleship requires sacrifice, selflessness, and perseverance, even when it is difficult. Yet, despite the hardships, the reward is eternal—helping others grow in Christ and advancing God’s kingdom.

5. Relying on God's Power    

Though discipleship is challenging, we do not do it alone. Paul makes it clear that he labors with the strength God provides (Colossians 1:29). Jesus affirms this truth in John 15:5: “Apart from me, you can do nothing.” Our ability to disciple others does not come from our own strength but from God's power working within us. When we rely on Him, He enables us to bear fruit in His kingdom.

Conclusion

Discipleship is both a privilege and a responsibility. It requires proclaiming Jesus, teaching and warning with wisdom, striving for spiritual maturity, embracing sacrifice, and depending on God's strength. Though it is not always easy, it is a calling that transforms lives and spreads the gospel. By following these five principles, we faithfully fulfill the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20) and participate in God's work of shaping His people into the image of Christ.

Wrestling With Temptation

"Did you see that? -- I can't believe it! The Road Warriors have turned on STING! -- their own partner!"

So went the announcer -- on and on, as the crowd "boo'ed" and cheered. In the center of the wrestling ring, two men called the Road Warriors, had just "pulverized" the three-man opposing team, and were now turning their tumbles, jabs, slaps, and what-have-you against Sting, the third member of their own team!

Unlike, the perplexed announcer, I think it is easy to figure out what was going on. The Road Warriors apparently saw better opportunities on the "dark side" of the ring; better matches, more notoriety, more money. Surely, even if you have seen only one wrestling match, you know they are full of symbolism; good verses bad, nice verses mean, decent verses deceitful . . . costumes and gimmicks give it away.

"Crossing over" is nothing unique to wrestling. We see it in everyday human affairs. People will often change their position or direction because of what "the other side" offers. Loyalties, alliances, contracts -- all fall by the wayside as scruples crumble and collapse under the attractive seductions of the offerings.

Have you ever given in? At one time or another, we have all given in. We have all felt the shame, the agony, and the guilt of failing to hold fast. That all have fallen short of the glory of God is enough to illustrate this truth. Paul said, "For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light. (Eph. 5:8)

Others before us have given in. There are several examples found in the Scriptures. One such example is known even by the smallest child -- Adam and Eve; man's first crossing over. Achan, in Joshua 7:19, caused the Israelites to lose a few battles and the lives of some men because he gave in to temptation; keeping back a few of the forbidden spoils of battle. Esau sold his birthright to Jacob for the insignificant amount of a bowl of stew (Gen. 25:34). And, King Solomon started to falter when he began marrying foreign women. "As Solomon grew old, his wives turned his heart after other gods, and his heart was not fully devoted to the Lord his God, as the heart of David his father had been." (1 Kings 11:4)

Several examples can also be seen in the New Testament. In John 6:66, many disciples are said to have "turned back." Matthew tells of a rich young man who "went away sad" when Christ told him he had to give up the world. (Matt. 19:22) And Paul writes the sad note of Demas, one of his fellow workers, who turned back to the world he had left. (2 Tim. 4:10)

One example that stands out for me though, is Peter (John 18). How do you think Peter felt as he heard the rooster in the distance? There stood Peter, a man who had walked side-by-side with Christ in close companionship. Instead of being at His side, Peter stood outside swearing that he knew nothing about Him. And then -- as Christ had told him -- the cock crowed!

Many men throughout time have given in or crossed over. Somehow the lure of riches, power, position or popularity has clouded men's minds and has led them to believe that they would benefit from altering their course. On a spiritual level, this is like derailing a train -- off the track, the train won't go far, and is destined for disaster!

For this reason, there are several instances in which we are encouraged to resist temptation. Proverbs 1:10, Proverbs 4:14, Romans 6:13, Ephesians 6:13, and 2 Peter 3:17, all instruct us to resist temptation, but probably the best encouragement I've found is in 1 Corinthians 10:13:

"No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it."

The Lord wants us to walk in the Light. When the world grasps hold of you and begins to wrestle, trying to pull you over into darkness, don't forget to look for that "way out" God has provided!

Fishing the Pond . . . and the Deep!

The last two summers I have tried to take up fishing again; I used to fish when I was younger. Wormy fingers and the smell of salmon eggs are nothing new, but I seem to have forgotten the important things. By important, I mean the things that go beyond the basics -- I know how to tie a line, bait a hook and all of that -- I just don't remember how to get the fish to cooperate.

When I was growing up, I don't remember many Saturdays going by that my grandfather hadn't planned a fishing expedition up to Millerton Lake. Unlike me, my grandfather knew how to get the fish to cooperate; not only on his line, but on my line too! He'd say. "Looks like a big one right over there by that log. I'd cast, and sure enough, the fight was on!

This "fish-cooperation" technique he had seemed to rub on everyone in the boat. In fact, even today, my dad, uncles and cousins have the same ability -- I've got news clippings and photographs of the whale-like "stripers" they have pulled out of the backwaters of Millerton.

My grandfather was a successful fisherman because he knew how a fish thought. Sounds silly, but it's true. He knew what a bass liked, given the condition of the lighting, the weather and the time of day. He would float along, suddenly pick up his pole, cast out, and sure enough, a five-pound bass would jump right out of the water holding Daddy Jim's top water lure in its mouth! He had developed the skills he needed to keep my grandmother's frying pan full.

In today's world, fishing-for-food has given way to fishing-for-sport. Not many people have to fish to survive, so few people have developed fishing to such an art form. Instead, we have developed great systems for providing the fish we eat. Commercially-produced fish are practically farm-raised now, and the fish in the lakes are left alone.

For instance, I remember a restaurant not far from campus when I was in college that advertised "pond-raised" catfish. Just think about it -- pond-raised --that means there is no trouble to get the fish. "You say you want catfish for supper? Well, wait just a minute while I go out back and rustle you up one!" no waiting on the bank in the hot sun for the fish to make his decision. No skill needed to bait the hook or cast the line. No trouble hitching up the boat and driving to the launching ramp.

So, what's my point? Well, fishing is a Biblical topic. Peter and Andrew had been out on the lake all night when Jesus told them to try once more in deeper water. They had hardly caught a fish that night, but when they cast out as Jesus told them, they hauled in so many fish that their boat was beginning to sink. (Luke 5:1-7) Then, Jesus said, "Don't be afraid; from now on you will catch men." (Luke 5:10)

From that day forth, Christ's disciples have been fishing for men. From the church of the first century, to the church of today, the disciples have had the responsibility of following in the footsteps of the Master. (Matt. 28:18-20)

Somehow, though, we have begun to follow the techniques of the commercial fishermen. Most new converts in our congregations today are pond-raised. The typical new converts now are our own children! Now, don't misunderstand me, I think that if we are unable to convert our children, we would be failing in our responsibilities to both them and the Lord. But, perhaps we need to look at what kind of emphasis we are putting on evangelizing the rest of the lost -- those whom are in the deep and dark waters of the world.

Stop and examine our practices. Are we spending most of our effort in converting the "easy catch?" Think about the last evangelistic effort you were involved in. What inroads into the community were made? Most of our gospel meetings and lectureships are designed more for us than for the non-Christian. Few of the youths attending our youth rallies and forums are from "outside."

Please, don't mistake this for an indictment of any particular congregation -- I simply want to draw attention to what practices we are unknowingly falling into; harvesting a few from the pond, feeling satisfied that our creels are full, leaving the lakes and rivers full of others still in their lost and weary condition. Because of this, we run the risk of no longer developing the necessary skills of fishing for men.

If many of us were honest with ourselves, we would have to admit that we expect the evangelism to be carried out by someone besides ourselves -- like we expect our fish to be brought to market. Many of us take great comfort in knowing the "minister" is there -- after all, "isn't that his job?"

Today's pews hold many who are like I am in my fishing; knowing some of the basics, but lacking in experience and skill. If the church is to harvest beyond what the pond will bear, we all need to develop our skills of true evangelism -- not the gimmicky stuff that tends to draw the curious who play at the "fancy" lure, but the kind that presents the gospel of Christ -- letting it draw those who are seriously looking for the answers to their needs; those who will grab it and hold on tight! (1 Tim. 5:12; 2 Tim. 4:1-4)