“And [Jesus] said to him, ‘Go, wash in the pool of Siloam’ (which means Sent). So he went and washed and came back seeing.” —John 9:7
A simple command: go and wash. Neither action is particularly difficult. And yet, how often do we resist simple obedience? It’s not just the command we struggle with—it’s the very idea of being told what to do. In our culture, obedience almost feels like a four-letter word. And, in a sense, it is: O-B-E-Y.
But when we look into Scripture, we see that obedience wasn’t something to resist or resent. It was cherished—an act of love, trust, and devotion. The apostles didn’t flinch at the idea of obedience. They embraced it, even in the face of suffering and persecution. In Acts 5:29, Peter and the apostles boldly declared, “We must obey God rather than men.”Paul wrote to the Philippians, “As you have always obeyed… work out your own salvation with fear and trembling,”(Philippians 2:12-13). And to the Romans, he gave thanks that they had become “obedient from the heart” and were now “slaves of righteousness” (Romans 6:17-18).
Obedience Flows from Love
Why is obedience so important? Because it is an outpouring of devotion. From the very beginning, God has desired the love of His people—not just surface-level compliance, but a heart that beats for Him. In the Shema found in Deuteronomy 6:4-9, Moses calls the people of God to love the Him with all their heart, soul, and strength. That kind of fervent love naturally expresses itself in obedience. The Apostle John reminds us, “This is love for God: to keep His commands” (1 John 5:3). Like children who show love to their father through trust and respect, we demonstrate our love to God by doing what pleases Him. And Jesus, our perfect example, obeyed the Father in all things. If we want to walk as He walked, obedience is not optional—it’s essential.
Obedience is a Powerful Expression of Faith
Obedience is also a powerful expression of faith. It’s one thing to say we believe in God. It’s another to live like we believe. True faith shows itself in action. Obedience is how we say, with our lives, “God, I trust You more than I trust myself.” That’s why Paul opens and closes his letter to the Romans with the phrase “the obedience of faith” (Romans 1:5, 16:26). Obedience and faith are not separate lanes—they’re one road leading to deeper intimacy with God.
Obedience Takes Endurance
I’ve experienced this firsthand. A couple of years ago, I made a quiet, but life-changing decision: to commit daily to spiritual disciplines—prayer, time in the Word, and walking closely with a small group of fellow believers. It wasn’t always easy. Some days felt dry. Some days I didn’t want to show up. But I did—and God met me there. That consistent, humble act of obedience became the doorway to spiritual growth I didn’t even know I needed. I’ve discovered deep encouragement, accountability, and joy in community. I’ve found the support and been reminded of the eternal purpose that has strengthened me to overcome sins and endure trials. That blessing didn’t come from striving—it came from simple obedience and an enduring faith that trusts God’s ways.
Obedience Brings Forth Abundance
Obedience may feel like a sacrifice at times, but in reality, it’s an invitation. It’s how we walk into the fullness of life Jesus promised in John 10:10: “I have come so that they may have life, and may have it abundantly.”
That word “abundantly” comes from the Greek word perissos, which means beyond, or more than enough. In the biblical context, abundance doesn’t mean material wealth or ease. It means a life rich in spiritual depth—a life full of peace, joy, purpose, and God’s presence. Obedience leads us there. It’s the way we take Jesus at His word and step into the “beyond” kind of life He offers.
So maybe the next time we hear a simple command—go and wash—we won’t hesitate. We’ll obey. And maybe, just like the man in John 9, we’ll come back seeing more clearly than we ever have before.
Kit Mullins
Baker Heights Member