The Blessings from Obedience

We talk a great deal about obedience in the Orthodox Church. For many this is misinterpreted to be about control instead of blessings. In a secular world committed to self-made empires, the idea of being obedient is the furthest thing in our minds, but the most blessed option.

BRETHREN, one does not take the honor upon himself, but he is called by God, just as Aaron was. So also Christ did not exalt himself to be made a high priest, but was appointed by him who said to him, “Thou art my Son, today I have begotten thee”; as he says also in another place, “Thou art a priest for ever, after the order of Melchizedek.” In the days of his flesh, Jesus offered up prayers and supplications, with loud cries and tears, to him who was able to save him from death, and he was heard for his godly fear. Although he was a Son, he learned obedience through what he suffered; and being made perfect he became the source of eternal salvation to all who obey him, being designated by God a high priest after the order of Melchizedek.

Hebrews 5.4-10

Today’s lesson from Saint Paul reminds us that Jesus taught us the benefit of obedience. For Christ, being obedient wasn’t about being controlled. Being obedient was about loving the Father and serving the Father.

Another example of the blessings brought by obedience can be found in the life of Saint Seraphim of Sarov, whose memory is celebrated today by the Church. His example of obedience to the Church, the Panagia, his monastery and elders, inspired multitudes.

Obedience doesn’t mean acting without discussion. “O My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will.” (Matthew 26.39) Jesus teaches that dialogue with God is good.

So, if you’re wondering about your level of obedience to God, begin in prayer. “God, help me understand how to be obedient to You for my salvation.” Then make an appointment with your spiritual father and come up with an ‘obedience plan’ for the New Year.

Obedience is how we learn to deny ourselves, which Jesus commanded as the ‘first step’ in our salvation. “Whoever desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, take up his cross and follow Me.” (Mark 8.34) You can’t be obedient to yourself. You can only be obedient to others.

It is the ‘obedient to others’ that requires a certain level of trust. That is why the relationship between spiritual father and spiritual child is so crucial. You must trust each other. Jesus had total trust in the Father, so trust wasn’t an issue.

Once you begin on the path of obedience to God and His Church, blessings will almost immediately flow, but don’t demand them. You may not recognize them until ‘after-the-fact’ looking back, but they will be there in your life.

Remember, you are choosing obedience because you love God and want to learn to serve Him. You aren’t being obedient for Him to bless you. That would be more ‘self-made empire’ building rather than salvation. The only blessing you should ‘hope’ for is salvation. It is the best blessing.