Values Quotes – Warren Wiersbe on Obedience

Todays quote is from Warren Wiersbe, an American pastor, Bible teacher, and a prolific writer of more than 150 books.

An insightful quote from Wiersbe is:

“We do not understand and then obey: that is instruction. We obey by faith, and then we understand: that is illumination.”

That’s pretty deep!

I suspect obedience is NOT one of the most popular values for people to embrace. As a differentiating value, obedience means dutifully complying; or to do as ordered.

Who likes to “do as ordered”?

Yet, as Wiersbe points out, real understanding comes about when we first obey by faith. In other words, if you want to truly understand something, comply with the stated rules first.

Consider how an entrepreneur starts a business, without knowing all the details of their product, their customers, cash flow, or even how long the business will last. It’s an act of faith. But in time, understanding comes, and the revelation of what’s required to turn it into a successful business.

Or consider how a man and woman decide to get married, without knowing how they will solve every issue. It’s an act of faith. And in time, appreciation for the gifts of the other grows, as well as an understanding of how best to work together and operate as a team.

That’s the power of starting with obedience. And, it’s actually not that hard. You just have to have some faith.

 

Today’s value was selected from the “Harmony-Order” category, based on the e-book Developing Your Differentiating Values.