THE STRENGTH IN OBEDIENCE
“And we will be ready to punish every act of disobedience, once your obedience is complete.” 2 Corinthians 10:6 NIV
The Greek word translated as “disobedience” in our theme verse is parakoē, which literally means “mishearing.”
In other words, disobedience is not always outright defiance—it is often the result of hearing amiss, of failing to follow through on an instruction because it was not properly heard or received. This same word can also convey a failure to hear due to indifference. People don’t typically disobey God from sheer willfulness or deep-rooted rebellion; rather, they disobey because they have become negligent, indifferent, or simply unsubmissive to the voice of God.
In his plea to the Corinthian church, Paul reminds us that as sojourners on the earth, we are engaged in spiritual warfare. This war is not against flesh and blood, but against spiritual rulers and authorities. Our weapons are not carnal, but mighty through God. However, there’s a condition: the full strength of these spiritual weapons is best activated when our obedience is complete.
Child of God, this brings us to a sobering truth: disobedience weakens the believer. It makes us vulnerable to attacks that are otherwise avoidable—attacks that could be shielded against if only we waited on, understood, and followed the Lord’s counsel. Therefore, let obedience be your priority in all things. Praise God!
Prayer: Father, I thank You for this wisdom. Train my heart to hear Your instructions as I abide in the vine. Open my eyes to see beyond the surface as I read Your Word, and let my joy be complete as I move in step with Your counsel in all that I do. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
RELATED RESOURCES
• Hebrews 2:2
• Romans 5:19
