How to Be a Modern MonkSample

Day 7 — Practicing Obedience

Isaiah 1:19, Matthew 6:9-10, 1 Samuel 15:22

At its core, this practice is about simplicity. In a world that often feels overwhelmingly complex, our approach to God and life can be refreshingly straightforward. It’s about tuning our inner ear to the voice of God and then acting on what we hear. This isn’t always easy, but it’s a powerful way to live.

The Bible is filled with exhortations to listen to God’s voice. Phrases like “hearken,” “hear,” and “listen to the voice of God” appear thousands of times throughout Scripture. Equally frequent are the words “thus saith the Lord,” reminding us that God is a speaking God who still communicates with His people today.

But hearing is only half of the equation. The other half is obedience. As Isaiah 1:19 states, “If you are willing and obedient, you will eat the good things of the land.” This verse highlights two crucial aspects of obedience: the outward action and the inward disposition. Faithful obedience isn’t just about going through the motions; it’s about having a heart that’s willing and aligned with God’s will.

One of the most challenging aspects of obedience is that we often don’t fully understand God’s plan. Yet, we don’t need to understand fully to obey completely. Think of biblical figures like Joseph, who obeyed God’s direction even when it didn’t make sense. Similarly, there are times in our spiritual journey when we must let go of the familiar and trust God’s leading, even when we can’t see what’s ahead.

Living a life of spiritual obedience is about progress—continually listening for God’s voice and striving to align our lives with His will. It’s about getting back up when we fall, persevering through challenges, and keeping our eyes fixed on the joy set before us.

Remember, God rarely shows us the entire plan at once. More often, He reveals one step at a time, inviting us into a walk of faith. Our faith grows as we hear and obey, and become more attuned to His voice.

The practice of hearing within and obeying without is a powerful way to live. It simplifies our approach to life, aligns us with God’s purposes, and positions us to significantly impact the world around us. While it’s not always easy, the rewards of obedience far outweigh the costs.