The Little Things [Our Tests of Obedience]

The Little Things [Our Tests of Obedience] Devotional Reading and Podcast

Scripture: “So the Lord said to Cain, ‘Why are you angry? And why has your countenance fallen? If you do well, will you not be accepted? And if you do not do well, sin lies at the door. And its desire is for you, but you should rule over it.’ ” —Genesis 4:6-7

It is hard to imagine that Cain had a heart full of hate against his brother and Christ. The murder of Abel was easily committed because every day his rebellious heart produced hatred that grew like an uncontrollable weed that overtakes that which is planted in the ground [unless it is removed]. Cain could not worship God with obedience because of the desire to please himself.

Disobedience begins with self-will and manifests itself through little compromises that do not include God’s guidance and blessings.

We begin our day with a rushed prayer and the promise to study the Bible after work or worshiping God becomes ritualistic. Our free time is used 100% for pleasurable activities. We make purchases without praying for guidance, or we invite bad company into our lives. By excluding the daily Prayer of the Surrender of our Will and Obedience, we half-heartedly serve God as evidenced by our decisions and lifestyles to please ourselves.

According to many pastors, most of today’s Christian believer’s disobedience is demonstrated by the wilful use of our time and money. Truthfully are we praying for God’s Divine guidance regarding our daily schedules or do we plan our to-do list without ever thinking of including God? “Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine be done” (Luke 22:42).

“But if anyone has the world’s goods and sees his brother or sister in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God’s love abide in him?” —1 John 3:17

Are we watching our bank accounts and investments grow without a thought of people we know whose life circumstances have changed, yet we never offered to help? Christ was our Ultimate example of helping others. “And there are also many other things that Jesus did, which if they were written one by one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that would be written. Amen” (John 21:25).

Helping those in need extends beyond the tax-deductible church contributions of our tithes and offerings. The Great Commission includes sharing our earthly blessings. Just as Cain’s disobedience began with the compromise of the little things which represent our daily love and loyalty to God, we also place ourselves in the same dilemma of receiving God’s rejection by not obeying His commandments and precepts.

“LORD, I know that people’s lives are not their own; it is not for them to direct their steps.” —Jeremiah 10:23

From Cain’s act of rebellion and disobedience, we can safely say that he did not possess a heart full of love for God. The first step of obedience is to surrender your will to God. Loyalty to God is evidenced by every act of obedience. When we obey God, the Holy Spirit molds and shapes our character to become closer to the likeness of Christ’s character—Sanctification is a lifelong spiritual journey.

“He that is faithful in a very little is faithful also in much: and he that is unrighteous in a very little is unrighteous also in much.” — Luke 16:10

Too many of us stumble at the simplicity of the small things God tells us to do. God has called us to be faithful in the little things. If Jesus had to learn obedience then so do we. Obedience is Sanctification. Obedience is a continuum of faithfulness. Faith must be accompanied by Obedience. Every time you choose to obey God’s will, the Potter shapes and molds you into a closer likeness of the character of God. Pastor Wintley Phipps

A change of heart begins with an overwhelming love for Christ and a spirit of humility. Every day, go into your secret closet. Begin to pray differently by committing to obey God. Ask God to teach you how to hear His voice. Sanctification—the daily spiritual transformation into the likeness of Christ requires us to live a holy and righteous life demonstrated by continuous obedience.

Prayer: God, I choose today to walk in obedience. Like Cain, I have given You the sacrificial offering of my choice. I ask forgiveness for a heart filled with rebellion by living to please myself. Please reveal the ways that You desire for me to use my time and money to glorify You. I desire to change by living a life of total obedience.

© 2023 Woman, You Are Loved by God Ministries