Obedience Myths
There’s always that moment—the tension you feel when obedience to God means discomfort with people. I remember being in a room once where the atmosphere wasn’t exactly faith-friendly. A conversation opened the door for me to speak up about what I believed, and everything in me felt the weight of that decision. Do I stay quiet and keep it comfortable? Or do I speak and risk awkwardness or judgment?
My heart was pounding. I could feel the Holy Spirit nudging me, but I also felt the pressure of what people might think. In that moment, I had to decide: Will I obey God—or cave to the comfort of silence?
That’s the tension Peter and the apostles faced in Acts 5. After being arrested for preaching about Jesus, they were miraculously freed by an angel and told to keep going—keep preaching. And they did. Boldly. Openly. Unapologetically.
When the religious leaders brought them in and ordered them to stop, Peter didn’t blink. He simply said: “We must obey God rather than men.” (v.29)
That one line speaks volumes.
But here’s the truth: Many of us hesitate to obey God, not out of rebellion—but out of confusion. We’ve picked up some wrong beliefs about obedience, and those myths are quietly shaping our faith decisions.
So let’s call them out.
3 Myths About Obedience (and the Truth Behind Them)
Myth #1: Obedience is about rules.
Truth: Obedience is about relationship.
It’s not about trying to earn God’s approval—it’s a response to His love. Jesus said, “If you love me, you’ll keep my commands.” (John 14:15)
When I know someone loves me, obeying their voice isn’t a chore—it’s an act of trust. Obedience isn’t cold or controlling. It’s personal.
Myth #2: Obedience is optional when it’s uncomfortable.
Truth: Obedience matters especially when it’s hard.
Peter didn’t obey because it was easy—he obeyed because it was right. If we only obey when it feels good, we’re not following Jesus—we’re following convenience. True obedience shines in the pressure.
Myth #3: Obedience will make life easier.
Truth: Obedience doesn’t guarantee ease—it guarantees purpose.
Sometimes saying “yes” to God leads you into fire. But you won’t go in alone. Just ask Daniel. Or Joseph. Or Jesus.
Obedience may cost you—but it always connects you to something greater: God's will.
We all want to live a life that pleases God, but obedience is where faith becomes action. It's where your beliefs walk into real-life choices. The next time you're faced with a decision—big or small—ask: Am I choosing comfort or conviction?
And when you’re not sure what to choose, don’t be afraid to pause and pray. God’s voice is never far from a listening heart.
God, I want to trust You more than I trust my comfort. Help me obey—not just when it’s easy, but especially when it’s not. Give me boldness like Peter, and remind me that obedience to You is always worth it.
Make It Personal
Take a moment to reflect on what obedience looks like in your life right now. Here are a few questions to help guide your thoughts:
Is there an area in your life where you’ve been delaying obedience because it’s uncomfortable?
Have you ever believed one of the myths mentioned above? How has that shaped your decisions?
What’s one small step of obedience God may be asking you to take this week?
Who in your life models bold obedience—and what can you learn from them?
How can you invite God into your decision-making process more consistently?
Write down your answers. Talk about them with a trusted friend or mentor. Obedience isn’t about perfection—it’s about a willing heart and a faithful next step.
