Beneficial Obedience

"Jesus replied: 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.'"
Matthew 22:37 (NIV)

Have you ever wondered why Jesus feels distant despite your belief in Him?

I have counseled people who have said, "Pastor, I believe in Jesus, but He doesn't feel real in my daily life." Their problem isn't a lack of faith—it’s a lack of obedience. Our experience of Jesus is directly proportional to our obedience to Jesus.

Look closely at John 14:21. Jesus promises to reveal Himself more deeply to those who obey Him. This is the benefit of obedience that many of us miss. You experience who God is when you respond to what God says.

Anyone can read the Bible and gather information about God. That's knowledge. But obedience transforms that knowledge into experience. It's the difference between reading about honey and actually tasting it.

The promise isn't earthly riches or a problem-free life—it's something far better: a deeper, more intimate revelation of Christ Himself. When you obey, Jesus becomes less of a historical figure and more of a living presence in your daily experience.

Today, identify one area where you need to move from knowledge to obedience. Take that step, and watch how Jesus becomes more real in your life.

Prayer: Father, thank You for the promise that obedience opens the door to experiencing more of Jesus. Help me move beyond just knowledge to a transforming obedience. In Jesus' Name, Amen.