’Whenever God says to pay attention we need to do so if not we may end up doing things in our own way. Many have limited themselves or rather have put a stop to their spiritual growth because of one disobedience or the other. Some of us because we choose to show ourselves when the time has not come, we end up being relegated by that very act of disobedience.
Beloved, if we truly want to grow and be blessed by God in all areas of our lives and to have rest, we need to obey God’s commands (such as instructions), regulations and decrees. The characteristic of a disciple is not that he does good things, but that he is good in his motives, having been made good by the supernatural grace of God. This can come only by obedience. Obedience is the only way to self denial, death to self on a daily basis, and the way to the Cross.
If you desire knowledge and insight into the teachings of our Lord, you can only obtain it through obedience – to the totality of God’s written word without reservation or doubt. The golden rule to follow to obtain spiritual understanding is not one of intellectual pursuit, but one of obedience. The teachings of our Lord hit us where we live. We cannot stand as impostors before Him for even one second. He instructs us down to the very last detail (Psalm 37:23 The LORD directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives). The Spirit of God uncovers our spirit of self-vindication and makes us sensitive to things that we have never even thought of before. We must come in full admission that we are helpless before God so we can receive this grace of His to live a life of total obedience by the help of the Holy Spirit. I would suggest that you examine the things you tend to simply shrug your shoulders about, and where you have refused to be obedient, and you will know why you are not growing spiritually. Even at the risk of being thought of as fanatical, still obey what God tells you.
Prayer: Holy Spirit help me to obey You when it is convenient and when it is not convenient. Help me to obey You when I am being pressured and the demand is high on me to follow the way of the multitude. Help me Holy Spirit to obey even when all makes no sense to me and may I honour You the more, even when I am being hurt by my loved ones by still obeying You in Jesus name…Amen!!!
Excerpts from utmost.org