O.B.E.Y: Only Be Equally Yoked

Alright, let’s be real—obedience isn’t exactly a fun word. It sounds like rules, restrictions, and a whole lot of “don’t do that!” But what if I told you obedience to God is actually the key to freedom? Yeah, you heard me. True peace, real purpose, and the kind of power that changes your life don’t come from doing whatever you want—they come from doing what He wants.

That’s why today, we’re talking about O.B.E.Y.—Only Be Equally Yoked. Because who (or what) you’re yoked to will either propel you forward or drag you down. And the only way to walk in God’s best for you is to obey Him in everything.

1. Obedience Is Imperative

Let’s get this straight—obedience to God is not optional. It’s not a suggestion; it’s a command.

John 14:15 – “If you love me, keep my commands.”

A lot of people say they love God, but their actions tell a different story. Loving God isn’t just about saying it; it’s about showing it. And obedience is how we do that.

Ever try to charge your phone without plugging it in? It doesn’t work. You can want your phone to charge all you want, but without the right connection, it stays dead. The same goes for your relationship with God—obedience is how you stay connected to His power.

2. Obedience Is Rooted in Love

We don’t obey God out of fear, obligation, or to earn His love. We obey because He first loved us.

1 John 4:19 – “We love because He first loved us.”

Think about it. When you truly love someone, you want to make them happy. You don’t see it as a burden; you see it as a privilege.

Jesus’ love for us was not just in words but in action. He obeyed the Father, even to the point of death on the cross (Philippians 2:8). If Jesus, the Son of God, displayed His love through obedience, how much more should we?

3. Obedience Gives You Purpose

You ever feel like you’re wandering? Like life is just one big question mark? That’s what happens when we ignore God’s direction. But when we obey, suddenly things start making sense.

Jeremiah 29:11 – “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.”

God’s plan for your life is bigger and better than anything you can imagine. But you can’t follow His plan if you’re too busy doing your own thing. Obedience unlocks your purpose.

4. Obedience Brings Peace

Ever notice how doing things your way often leads to stress, anxiety, and a mess to clean up later? But doing things God’s way? That brings peace.

Isaiah 26:3 – “You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.”

When you obey God, you don’t have to second-guess, worry, or stress about what’s next. Why? Because you’re walking in His will, and He’s got your back. That’s real peace.

5. Obedience Leads to Prosperity

Now, before you get too excited, let’s be clear—prosperity isn’t just about money. It’s about thriving in every area of life. Obeying God positions you to receive His blessings.

Deuteronomy 28:1-2 – “If you fully obey the Lord your God and carefully follow all his commands… all these blessings will come on you and accompany you if you obey the Lord your God.”

God isn’t trying to take from you—He’s trying to give to you. But blessings follow obedience. You can’t expect God’s best while doing your worst.

6. Obedience Gives You Power

Want to walk in authority? Want to have the power to overcome temptation, fear, and the enemy’s attacks? It all starts with obedience.

James 4:7 – “Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”

Obedience puts you in a position of power because when you submit to God, you automatically resist the devil. And when the enemy sees you standing firm in God’s will, he has no choice but to run.

7. Obedience Produces Perseverance

Life isn’t always easy. But obedience to God gives you the strength to keep going even when things get tough.

Galatians 6:9 – “Let us not grow weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”

Obedience isn’t always glamorous. Sometimes it’s hard. Sometimes it feels like you’re not seeing results. But if you stay faithful, you will see the fruit of your obedience.

Only Be Equally Yoked

Now, here’s the kicker—obedience doesn’t just apply to you. It also applies to who you surround yourself with.

2 Corinthians 6:14 – “Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common?”

Being equally yoked means aligning yourself with people who are also walking in obedience to God. If you’re trying to obey God but you’re constantly surrounded by people pulling you in the opposite direction, guess what? You’re going to struggle.

Think of it like two people in a three-legged race. If one person is trying to go left and the other is going right, they’re going nowhere. Who you yoke yourself to—friends, relationships, business partners—will either push you closer to God or pull you away. Choose wisely.

Conclusion: Obedience = Overflow

When you O.B.E.Y.—Only Be Equally Yoked With GOD and walk in obedience to God—you step into purpose, peace, prosperity, power, and perseverance. It’s not about following rules; it’s about following the One who knows what’s best for you.

So today, make the choice to trust Him. Obey Him. And watch what happens when you do.