Blessings of Obedience to God’s Word

Laestadian Lutheran
May 1
5 min read

The Voice of Zion May 2025 - Home & Family Article --

In every season of life, believers encounter pressures to conform to the ways of the world – whether in school, the workplace, or even casual conversation. These pressures may be subtle or overt: temptations to fit in, expectations to achieve certain lifestyles, or invitations to compromise one’s values. Yet, in each of these situations, we are reminded of the strength and joy that come from obedience to God’s Word. Scripture offers enduring examples, like Joseph in Egypt, who chose obedience in the face of trial and was blessed. In these writings, believers reflect on the challenges they face and the blessings they experienced in their walk in faith, trusting that God sees and richly rewards the obedient heart.

Karlo and Peggy Hillukka

Pressure is the use of persuasion, influence, or intimidation to make someone do something. A person feels pressures of the world. We strive to be obedient to the teaching of God’s Word. We often are reminded that we are “in the world, but not of the world.”

Some pressures come from trying to fit in, to be accepted by others. This could lead us to conform to lifestyles such as wearing makeup, drinking alcohol, foul language and worldly music. In the first letter of John, we are reminded, “Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him” (2:15).

In our daily life, we interact with neighbors and coworkers and they notice differences. Some have many questions. Comments may arise about faith and about the way believers live. Some struggle to comprehend large families, for example. They do not understand the blessings of many children. We understand that we may face such trials. God helps us in these times. Jesus promises rest to all who are heavy laden (Matt. 11:28).

In our small community, there is pressure felt at school as we make up a big part of the school population. Believing students may feel pressure to join sports and other unacceptable activities. Each day, the light of believing students shines when they are obedient to God’s teachings. The light shows through their interactions with others: the way they speak, their attitudes and the way they treat others.

Cellphones and technology are valuable tools. They can also be used in ways that are harmful to our faith. There are endless temptations at our fingertips. Spending too much time on devices can draw us away from what is most important in our lives. It is good to set aside these distractions while we are with family and believing escorts and at services.

The blessings of being obedient to God’s Word are abundant. The songwriter writes, “There are treasures for children in heaven above who love Jesus and walk in His way.” How joyous it is to travel with a free conscience in the midst of God’s children! Our goal is heaven.

Let Your Light So Shine

Danielle Mattila

Sometimes at work, I have felt pressure to act a certain way to conform with others’ ways. I feel like I am different from everyone else there, and it can be hard to make connections and friendships.

Topics of conversation can add to feeling different, as can the way I look compared to how some workmates present themselves. For example, I might stand out since I don’t wear makeup.

It can also be hard to explain why I don’t want to participate in certain activities that they have invited me to. If there is alcohol at an event, I try to explain that because I don’t drink, I feel uncomfortable. They, of course, tell me that it’s no problem if I don’t drink—there are others who won’t be drinking.

Under these pressures, I want to speak my feelings to my workmates and to show them love. Matthew 5:16 says, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” This Bible portion reminds me that I don’t need to be just like everyone else. God will help me make friendships.

When we are obedient to God’s Word, we are able to let our light shine in words and actions. This light can help those around us to be led into God’s kingdom.

Ruthann Hillukka

Pressures of the world come daily. My experience with this often comes in the form of material wealth or education or prestige. I feel this from those whom I work with.

I think it is often expected that a person has a certain college degree, drives a certain vehicle or lives a certain way. These expectations may come out in something said during lunch or just in passing – it may not have been directed at me, yet my human brain perceives the statement to be a judgement of me.

I can choose to hear these messages in a spirit of love. My workmates are my neighbors, and I pray to show them love. Although I do not have what they may or may not have, God has blessed me with many riches: I have believing escorts and all that I need in life.

Song of Zion 351 comes to mind when I think of peer pressure, real or perceived: “Thank you, Lord, for all Your blessings; thanks for joy and thanks for tears; You are always walking with us; You know all our hopes and fears” (v. 1).

Joseph’s Example of Obedience

Ron Honga

Have you dear brother or sister, younger or older, who attempt to carry a good conscience in the midst of this world ever felt that our heavenly Father has forgotten you?

It must have been this way also for Joseph as he was brought to Egypt after his brothers had sold him into slavery. He was a believing young man and now found himself before an unknown future.

Joseph was a prosperous man and the Lord was with him. He became overseer of the house of Potiphar. When Potiphar’s wife tempted Joseph into sin with her, he was given strength to avoid this. He said, “How can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?” (Gen. 39:9).

In all his trials Joseph showed obedience unto God’s Word and was blessed, becoming second only to the Pharaoh in the land of Egypt. “And the Pharaoh said unto his servants, can we find such a one as this is, a man in whom the Spirit of God is? And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, forasmuch as God has shewed thee all this, there is none so discreet and wise as thou art: Thou shalt be over my house, and according unto thy word shall all my people be ruled: only in the throne will I be greater than thou” (Gen. 41:38–40).

Later, Joseph carried his brothers with great forgiveness when they were afraid of him after he revealed himself to them. “So now it was not you that sent me hither, but God: and he has made me a father to Pharaoh, and lord of all his house, and a ruler throughout all the land of Egypt” (Gen. 45:8). Joseph’s example is a beautiful reminder to us of the way God blesses obedience and forgiveness. May we continue to walk this way on our journey toward heaven’s home.

Discussion questions

What are some examples of pressure we might feel to fit in at school, work, or in our communities? How do these affect our faith and the choices we make?
What does obedience to God’s Word look like in daily life, and why is it sometimes hard?
How can we respond when someone questions or doesn’t understand our choices as believers?
What blessings can come from choosing God’s way, even when it means standing out or being misunderstood?
What does it mean to let your light shine in everyday life? Can small actions make a difference?
What helps you stay focused on what’s important when the world offers many distractions?
Joseph is an example of one who was obedient. God blessed him richly. What other examples of obedience does the Bible tell us about?