To Equip & Encourage

Resources and articles to help you in your journey to becoming a better father, husband, and leader in your home, business, and community.

Stop Mistaking Activity for Obedience (Impact Hard Devotional: Day 63)

authentic christian discipleship authentic christian living bible study for men biblical leadership christian daily devotional for men christian men spiritual growth christian men's devotional faith in action following jesus john 14:15 keeping god's commandments loving jesus obedience to christ spiritual obedience surrender to god

Obedience & Experiencing God’s Presence

Stop Mistaking Activity for Obedience

“If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.”

John 14:15

----------

Sometimes Jesus said things that left everyone scratching their heads. Even the disciples would pull their Master aside and ask for a little help every now and again. Jesus could be perplexing… speaking in parables, paradoxes, and enigmatic examples and phrases while sharing the secrets of the Kingdom of God. His unparalleled teaching style simultaneously made spiritual truths memorable and accessible for some, while obscure and mysterious for others.

Other times, Jesus could not have been more plain or direct. Take for instance this 9 word lesson found in John 14:15. “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.” You don’t need a Seminary education or a PhD in Hebraic thought to understand clearly what Jesus is saying here. If you love Jesus, you will do what He says. Plain and simple, to the point, and one of the most difficult verses to actually put into practice.

It’s a lot easier to debate predestination and sovereign election than it is to do what Jesus tells you. You can read countless theology books a lot more easily than obeying the Great Commandment. Downloading two or three sermons a day is a breeze compared to fulfilling the Great Commission. Singing your favorite worship songs in your pick up truck is child’s play stacked up against giving your tithe, forgiving your ex-wife, or stopping porn.

We can do a lot of things that make it appear as though we love God. At the end of the day, however, Jesus is looking for your obedience. Obedience to Christ is the greatest act of worship we can offer Him.

Is there an area of your life where you are resisting total obedience to Christ? Don’t deceive yourself into thinking that a smorgasbord of spiritual goodies can replace the one thing that Jesus is hungry for- your obedience. Surrender in full obedience to Christ today.

Reflection: (Don’t skip this!)

What do I need to know?
How do I need to grow?
Where does this need to show up in my life?

Take the challenge, step up to the task, and watch God transform your life, your relationships and your legacy over the next 75 days in God’s Word.

Join the IMPACT Hard 75 Day Challenge!

Interested in joining a group or bringing men together in your community to grow as husbands, fathers, and leaders? Sign up for our Newsletter!

To Equip & Encourage

Stop Mistaking Activity for Obedience (Impact Hard Devotional: Day 63)

Stop Mistaking Activity for Obedience

IMPACT HARD | 75 Day Devotional for Men | © 2026

Share this blog post using the buttons below.

Join a Cohort near you!