Many view obedience as a rigid and oppressive force that tells us what to do that suffocates our sense of freedom. However, looking at it from a Christian perspective, we see it can be a pathway to enlightenment. As Jesus said in Matthew 11:28 (NIV), "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest," is an offering, not a break from physical exhaustion or stress, but a release from weight of our own pride where Christian Character Counts.
For followers of the Christian faith, obedience means following Jesus and submitting to his authority. This power involves learning the principles in the Gospels. Initially, adopting God's ultimate belief of love transforming the spirit (Born Again [John 3:3]), which in turn, if we choose, redeems the heart through obedience to Jesus' instructions taught in "The Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5)." We choose obedience to display a better reality in God’s rest. If Christians refuse to obey Jesus’ Way, Truth, and Life (John 14:6), the curse of an oppressive and restless life is guaranteed. Yes, even for the child of God.
It is beyond me why Christians want to live burdensomely; perhaps, they don’t fully grasp Jesus’ grace and truth. Jesus invites those tired to take off the world's religious restraints and take his yoke, as stated in Matthew 11:28-30. He promises to lighten your burdens if you do so and learn from him. It seems like a simple solution to your problems. Still, many will continue to do so under the religious culture where leaders have created a strict system of rules and regulations prioritizing being “right” over following Jesus' righteousness—righteousness only experienced through his humility and gentleness. It's important to remember obedience to Jesus is not about following traditions or rules upfront but finding an attitude of appreciation where the rest of the soul exist under the expectations of Jesus.
Getting obedience to one’s reality is simpler than most believe. Remember, saving faith in Jesus is the only way to faithful obedience and rest. First, pray for a heart of obedience, read and meditate on Jesus’ words offered through The Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5, 6, 7)” and ask God for insight. Through the words of Jesus, you will see how relevant the whole Bible (Old and New Testament) is to your reality. From there, make a deliberate choice to follow Jesus’ words out of a desire for greater joy, purpose, and connection with God. Your life depends on it! Ultimately, faith in Christ is a life of obedience to him; otherwise, it is not a true saving faith where Jesus’ rest resides—Jesus is the only Way!
If you seek genuine peace and rest, wholeheartedly follow Jesus' teachings and apply them to your life. Stop living joylessly and burdensome under strict and unrealistic rules and traditions. Reject the authoritative and arrogant approach of modern Christianity and opt for the true liberating faith of Jesus, the ultimate resting place where Christian Character Counts.
In Jesus’ rest,