The Mystery of Obedience & the Consequences of Disobedience (Part 3)

Key Points

We believe that God is intentional about seasons, and this month of June we have declared a month of strategy. It is not by accident that we are being called to take practical steps forward — even something as specific as starting driving lessons and theory — because obedience often begins in the practical.

Prophecy, as we understand it, is not merely predictive; it is a gift given to edify, exhort, and comfort us, building our faith and offering divine direction. As 1 Corinthians 14:3 reminds us, *”But the one who prophesies speaks to people for their strengthening, encouraging and comfort.”*

We lean into prophecy not out of superstition, but because God uses it to anchor our belief and sharpen our path forward. Looking at the story of Saul, we see how partial obedience — the kind where we follow God’s instructions only halfway — is treated no differently than outright disobedience.

God’s regret over Saul in 1 Samuel 15:11 is sobering, and the declaration that *”to obey is better than sacrifice”* (1 Samuel 15:22) stands as a firm standard for all of us. We are also warned that rebellion and stubbornness are not minor character flaws — in 1 Samuel 15:23, they are equated with witchcraft and idolatry. We must be resolved to prioritise God above all else, even when that means making hard choices about the relationships and influences we allow to shape us.

Takeaways

We must settle this in our hearts: partial obedience is still disobedience. God does not grade on a curve, and He requires our full and wholehearted adherence to His instructions. Stubbornness and rebellion are not personality quirks to be tolerated — they are serious spiritual hindrances that Scripture equates with idolatry and witchcraft, blocking the growth and blessing God intends for us.

We are also encouraged to walk in discernment when it comes to sharing the personal revelations and visions God places in our hearts. Not everyone around us, even those closest to us, will champion our spiritual journey. Joseph’s brothers remind us of this in Genesis 37:19-20 — those nearest to you can sometimes be the ones most opposed to your destiny. We must love wisely.

True love for God, however, is demonstrated through going the extra mile — not a half-hearted effort, but the kind of dedication we see celebrated in Deuteronomy 6:5: *”Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.”*

We are reminded that obedience is the very foundation upon which blessings and advancement are built — not only for ourselves but for the generations that will come after us, as echoed in Deuteronomy 28:1-2. What we choose today in obedience or disobedience will echo far beyond our own lifetime.