May 5

Do you not know that when you offer yourselves as obedient slaves, you are slaves to the one you obey, whether you are slaves to sin leading to death, or to obedience leading to righteousness? — Rom 6:16 BSB

There is a blessedness in obedience. Obedience doesn't save us, but it does show our connection to the finished work of the Son of God. We can't take joy or boast in the highest acts of faith or obedience as if they were our own accomplishments. Yet there is a sacred joy in obeying the gospel by believing in the Son of God, walking in the fear of God, and doing what pleases Him.

If you walk in carnality, pride, or self-righteousness—living according to worldly customs and opinions—you will bring your soul into misery and bondage. Though we can't earn any merit from our obedience or boast in it, the path of godly obedience is safe, blessed, honoring to God, and comforting to the soul. It is the desire of all who truly fear God to walk in that path. And oh, the blessedness of obeying God's will, believing in His dear Son, and walking in His fear! Under every trial in life, whether in death, health, or sickness, we have a gracious High Priest, "the author of eternal salvation to all those who obey Him!"