The late great A.W. Tozer once said: “Prayer will become effective when we stop using it as a substitute for obedience.” As important as prayer is, if it is not backed up by a life of obedience, its fruit will be less than plenteous. It is certain that we are justified by faith, and not by works. Nevertheless, God desires obedience from His children, just as you would from your own children.

Imagine if your child disobeyed you at every chance and then became partially obedient only when he wanted you to do something for him. Perhaps you would fall for this ploy once or twice, but soon the child’s ill intentions would become clear, even to you. We cannot play God. God will not be mocked. He is a just and sovereign God.

Perhaps this problem of obedience stems from a warped view of who God really is. Today, many popular ministers inform us that God’s sole purpose is to serve us, to answer to our beckon calls, and to help get us out of every trial and tribulation. How repulsive!

Burn this into your mind: God is not your buddy and He is not your butler. Far from it, He is your King and your Master. And amazingly, He is your Father and you are His child. As gratifying and intimate as our relationship is with Him, we should never attempt to bring the Majestic King of the universe down to our level and exploit His goodness for selfish gain. We are called to serve the King! We are called to obey, worship, and adore our Master!

The chorus of a recent song says it best:
“What can I do for you my Lord?
I want you to know my heart is yours.
It’s not a question of what you can do for me.
But what can I do for you, my Lord?”