The Nature and Importance of Obedience

by: Nathaniel A. Saquiban

Obedience is one of the important values that all of us should possess. It opens up the door of blessings and enables us to remain in a favored life. It is simple. Every act of disobedience will have a corresponding penalty, which is expected to be contrary to relief and comfort. Obedience, thus, is contingent on a joyful and abundant life. Consider the scenario that happened to Adam and Eve. They were brought out of blessed life because of disobedience to the commands of God. In the same way, people who are confined behind bars may be put in miserable conditions or may be denied benefits and privileges because of disobedience. 

Obedience is also significant, not only because it benefits or is advantageous to us personally, but because it will profit the community members. It is the virtue we should observe if we realize a peaceful, orderly, and disciplined society that results in progress and prosperity. We cannot expect a governmental unit to flourish if its constituents are not law-abiding citizens. If the people are lawless, everything will be disorganized because no chain of command is followed. Everyone does what they wish, and the environment becomes chaotic and unclean. 

More than laws, rules, and regulations are needed. It also takes a strong will on the part of the authorities to accurately and strictly enforce and implement the laws, rules, and regulations. People must be governed and learn government rather than a government of themselves where they do what they want. In the Philippines, this is what is needed. Laws must be exacted if we are to achieve our economic goals. People's freedom and liberty must be regulated, and those in high places are not exempted. They should model a lifestyle of obedience. People often clamor for change in the high echelon of society, allegedly because subordinates and subjects are good followers for fear of punishment, but not to some who are in leadership. That kind of situation should not be the trend.

One of the positive effects of obedience is to train us for righteousness. The more we obey, the more we become righteous and learn righteousness. Obedience must become a habit so that we are honed to upright living. However, it is suggested that the reverse is a better way. We should first possess a righteous or holy nature so that obedience will become the fruit. Obedience is easy if we are changed on the inside. This is the reason why the value of obedience is anchored to the core value of spirituality. We should strengthen spirituality so that obedience automatically follows. 

A spiritual mentor once said, "Surrender is better than obedience because surrender necessarily encompasses obedience." If we are surrendered to the authority of God, we will not have a problem in the area of obedience. We do not have to think whether to choose our will or the will of God because a good subject always submits to the will of his or her sovereign. Let us, therefore, surrender to our Almighty God so that we may consistently live a life of obedience.