Redefining Obedience

Note: I am responsible for evening prayers on Wednesdays in my community. During the evenings we talk about one aspect of our rule of life. I choose to write a mini reflection when I lead prayers. 

  Obedience in the rule of life is defined as  “living one’s life in response to God’s will, in a commitment to the mission of the community.” 

I’m going to be honest; I was a bit hesitant to do prayer after learning that this week's emphasis would be on the concept of obedience, especially before I read the rule of life’s definition. Because dominant culture’s understanding of obedience is radically different.  In dominant culture and in some Christian spaces, the concept of obedience has been depicted in ways that have been harmful, particularly for those on the margins. Obedience, in dominant culture, is often tied to authoritarian definitions of power. Meaning, that a boss, parent, pastor, or other leader tells you to do something, and you do it no questions asked. There is no room for discussion or even consent. If you aren’t the one in a position of authority, your job is to do what you are told, regardless of whether you want to or not. 

But as the rule of life demonstrates that’s not the only definition of obedience. The word obedience comes from the Latin word meaning “to listen” or “to pay attention to.” Attentive listening is a vital component of both living in community and following God. When making the decision to live in community, one makes the commitment to take into consideration the cares and needs of others. It doesn’t mean that our individual needs and desires don’t matter, but they aren’t the ONLY things that matter. In community, we care and respond to one another. In this context, “obedience” isn’t about control or a power struggle. But about the willingness to truly listen to those within our community. 

This is also true about obeying God. Too often obedience to God is depicted as appeasing a violent and angry deity. Or it is about being rewarded and avoiding punishment. In that understanding of obedience, God is depicted as a cosmic Santa Claus.  Remember the song that goes, you better watch out
You better not cry
You better not pout
I'm telling you why Santa Claus is coming to town. 

He's making a list
He's checking it twice
He's gonna find out
Who's naughty or nice

… Santa Claus is comin' to town

Replace Santa Claus with the word God, and you have the theology of obedience that some people ascribe to. 

 But what if we let go of a definition of obedience that relies on an angry deity or a Santa Claus-like God? Instead, we can understand obedience as being the willingness to listen and be responsive to God’s will. Not because we want to be super blessed or avoid being punished but as a demonstration of trust in a God whose compassion and love is more abundant and expansive than we can imagine. Obedience involves a voluntary and enthusiastic yes to God, knowing that God’s will is for the justice and flourishing of all. 

As we go about this week, let us take the time to truly listen to and respond to God’s voice, which can be found all around us: in our community members, in nature, and in the mundaneness of daily life. 

Image: A woman in a long, white dress, standing in a field gazing at the sky and land before her. Text: As we go about this week, let us take the time to truly listen to and respond to God’s voice, which can be found all around us: in our community members, in nature, and in the mundaneness of daily life.