What are your thoughts about the words compliance and obedience?  Although they are often appear synonymous there are some subtle distinctions between these two words.

Compliance usually refers to adherence to established policies and procedures.  Obedience usually includes the heart motive of an individual.  The key to understanding in spiritual matters is not merely intellect but obedience.  Consider Abraham in the Old Testament, God told him to leave his home country and although Abraham did not understand all the details he obeyed God.

By faith Abraham, when he was called, obeyed by going out to a place which he was to receive for an inheritance; and he went out, not knowing where he was going.  (Hebrews 11:8)

We also discover that as we are faithful in obeying the little matters in our lives that enables us to be faithful in the larger matters – we discover that obedience leads to greater opportunities.

He who is faithful in a very little thing is faithful also in much; and he who is unrighteous in a very little thing is unrighteous also in much.  (Luke 16:10)

True obedience must come from the heart.  The Apostle Paul encourages the church at Rome with this truth,

But thanks be to God that though you were slaves of sin, you became obedient from the heart to that form of teaching to which you were committed,  (Romans 6:17)

Is your life characterized by compliance or obedience from the heart?  In Jesus’ day, the Pharisees were experts in outward compliance but Jesus castigated them because their hearts were far from God.  They simply complied with the law to look good for others.  Jesus teaches that our obedience is a demonstration of our love for God,

If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.  (John 14:15)

Notice that this a conditional sentence, Jesus does not make me obey, it is my responsibility.  If I do not obey it’s because someone else is more important than Jesus – usually I’m the culprit.  When I obey however, I fulfill my spiritual destiny.

When God’s love fills my heart my “have to” (compliance) is transformed into a “want to” (obedience).  May our desire become that of the Psalmist,

I delight to do Your will, O my God; your Law is within my heart.  (Psalm 40:8)

Associate Pastor – Discipleship.  The Church at LifePark

Professor of Discipleship, Columbia International University

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