Living to please God in obedience to God’s Words and commands encapsulates the profound connection between worship and righteous living, as articulated by John Piper: “True worship is when an individual, through their person, reflects the price of God.” In our culture, some who profess Jesus as Savior fall for the parable that they will love Jesus without obedience. James 1:22 reminds us,
“Do not merely hearken to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.”
God’s omniscience ensures that nothing escapes His notice; He intimately knows our thoughts, words, actions, and behavior. Galatians 5:19-21 defines the acts of the flesh that may keep us from God’s kingdom— dishonesty, sexual immorality, hatred, matches of rage, selfish ambition, or envy. But yielding to the Holy Spirit’s guidance, God’s righteousness will develop into ours: “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, and self-control” (Galatians 5:22).
Righteousness is the foremost requirement for the kid of God. We are usually not perfect, but we’re forgiven (1 John 1:9), and given the flexibility to live faithfully as we prioritize God’s Word and the written requirements for righteous living. Neglecting time in God’s word stifles the followers of Jesus.
Blessing is promised to those that are students of Scripture. Matthew 5:6 says,
“Blessed are those that hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they can be filled.”
This hunger and thirst for righteousness can only be satisfied by delving into the Bible and obeying its commands. The Bible fortifies believers against the temptations of the flesh, guiding them towards a life led by the Holy Spirit. God’s Word shouldn’t be only a guiding light but a roadmap, illuminating the trail of righteousness for individuals who fear the Lord (Proverbs 9:10).
Jesus emphasized obedience because the hallmark of true worship, declaring that those that love Him will obey His commands. This underscores the inseparable connection between worship and obedience. Jesus emphasized, “If you like me, keep my commands” (John 14:15). As we do, we not only develop into real worshippers, but we also find enlightenment and inspiration in our obedience.
