As a genuine disciple of Jesus Christ I must use the building blocks of growth in their proper order. The first, and most important, building block of all is obedience. I must discard the notion that faith, a very important building block, exists by itself. “Faith, if it has no works, is dead” (James 2:17). Obedience is faith acting, the tangible evidence that genuine faith exists on the inside of me. While it is difficult to say which comes first, faith or obedience, without obedience my faith will never grow.
Obedience is also essential to knowledge. My cry for understanding and enlightenment will rise no higher than my head until I put into practice what God has already taught me. It is in the usage of my supplies that God multiplies my supplies. If I do not obey God in the basics, He will never lead me on. God never intended for truth to be deposited in the storehouse of my mind, but to be utilized in my life as a power. I will get not one candle more than what I am already using to walk in His way in the midst of the world’s darkness.
Obedience is the necessary stepping-stone to fruitfulness and power. We often complain about our lack of power and beg God to hear us and send a blessing. He will send no blessing until we obey the commands He has already given us. Charles G. Finney used to say that churches could have revival the moment they wanted it. God’s abundant power immediately accompanies the one who obeys Him. I must bring myself back to the basics of discipleship and see that the first building block is in place. Once I begin to obey, God will begin to bless, and He will lead me on until His “grand design” is finished. “For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have [good] success” (Joshua 1:8).
“Work out your salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure” (Philippians 2:12–13).
Daily with the King 