Why We Resist Obedience: A Reflection Amidst Tragedy
In the wake of the tragic shooting of Charlie Kirk, many are grappling with the deep divisions and tensions in our society. This act of evil has left us questioning the state of our nation and our roles within it; especially those of us who are following Jesus. As we process this tragic event, it's an opportunity to reflect on the broader themes of obedience, trust, and the choices we make in whom or what we place our allegiance.
Why We Resist Obedience
When we talk about obedience to God, it can stir up all kinds of emotions—especially if you're not sure you trust Jesus Christ yet. For many, the word obedience sounds restrictive, even frightening. It presses against our pride, our independence, and our desire to stay in control.
And yet, at some level, we all know that our lives are already bent in obedience to something. The only real question is: who or what we are obeying?
For some, it's the voice of culture—the latest trend, the loudest influencer, the strongest personality on the airwaves. For others, it's our own desires—whatever feels good in the moment. For still others, it's success—chasing after money, approval, or recognition.
But every other "master" we obey ends up taking more than it gives. Only Jesus, the Servant who obeyed first, offers life. Still, the hesitation is real. Why do we resist obedience to the Father?
Embracing the Fruits of the Spirit
In a world where acts of violence and hatred seem prevalent, the call to embody the fruits of the Spirit becomes even more urgent. Galatians 5:22-23 reminds us that the fruits of the Spirit are love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.
When Paul writes about the fruits of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control—he is describing a way of life that flows from God’s presence in us. These aren’t just moral rules or nice ideas; they are the tools God gives us to navigate a broken world.
Transforming Our Hearts
Love softens the hardness that fear and anger build in us. When someone hurts us, love reminds us that people—even those who oppose us—are made in God’s image.
Joy shifts our perspective from despair to hope, even in the face of tragedy or uncertainty. It’s not ignoring reality; it’s anchoring ourselves in God’s goodness.
Peace quiets the storm inside us, helping us make decisions from a place of calm rather than reactive emotion.
When we practice these virtues, our hearts change. Fear, bitterness, and resentment lose their grip. We start to see the world differently—not as a place that exists to harm us, but as a place where God is still at work.
Influencing the world around us:
Patience and kindness in our interactions can interrupt cycles of anger. A gentle word can cool a heated moment; a faithful act of service can show someone God’s love tangibly.
Goodness and self-control give our lives credibility. When we refuse to retaliate or escalate conflict, we show the world that life in Christ is different. People notice integrity, calm, and love in a culture that often rewards outrage and aggression.
Even small actions—like listening instead of arguing, forgiving instead of holding grudges, helping instead of complaining—can ripple outward in ways we may never fully see.
Why this matters in today’s world:
We live in a time when division and anger dominate headlines. Violence, polarizing rhetoric, and fear are everywhere. It’s easy to respond in kind, to let bitterness take root.
But the Spirit calls us to something higher. By embodying these fruits, we demonstrate that love and goodness are stronger than hate and division. Not in a loud, confrontational way, but in a steady, faithful, Christlike presenc
A Pastoral Encouragement:
If you’re feeling weary, anxious, or powerless in the face of what’s happening around you, take heart: God’s Spirit works through small, consistent choices. You don’t have to solve the world’s problems. You only have to let God transform your heart and act through you.
Even a single moment of kindness, patience, or gentleness can be a seed planted that grows into hope and healing. And as more hearts embrace the Spirit’s fruits, the world begins to feel the ripple of God’s kingdom—one life at a time.
A Call to Reflect and Respond
As we mourn the loss of Charlie Kirk and reflect on the state of our nation, let us also examine our own hearts. Are we allowing fear, anger, or hatred to dictate our actions? Or are we choosing to obey the call of Christ, embodying His love and peace in a fractured world?
Obedience to God often requires sacrifice and trust. Jesus faced rejection, yet He remained faithful—so can we. How do we respond when obeying God is difficult?
Let us take a moment to reflect on our own lives and consider: What is one step of obedience God is calling you to take today? Whether it's extending forgiveness, standing up for justice, or simply choosing peace in a moment of conflict, may we be faithful in our response.
A Gentle Invitation
If you’ve been resisting Jesus because you’re afraid of the outcome—afraid of what obedience might cost—please hear this:
- Jesus isn’t out to take life from you; He came to give you life.
- He’s not here to burden you with rules; He’s here to free you with grace.
- He’s not waiting for you to get it all together; He’s inviting you to come just as you are.
In a world filled with loud voices, quick takes, and cultural battles—Jesus cuts through the noise with something better. Not outrage. Not fear. But love.
The Servant obeyed—even to death on a cross—so you could know that whatever obedience costs you, it will never cost you more than it cost Him. And He gladly paid it.
So maybe today, your step of obedience isn’t complicated. Maybe it’s simply this: “Jesus, I don’t understand everything yet. But I trust You enough to take the next step.”
That’s where life begins.
Closing Prayer
Father,
In the midst of tragedy and turmoil, we turn to You for comfort and guidance. We lift up the family and loved ones of Charlie Kirk, asking for Your peace to surround them and surround us all. We pray for our nation, that healing and unity may prevail over division and strife.
Help us to embody the fruits of the Spirit in our daily lives. May love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control be evident in our actions and interactions.
Grant us the courage to obey Your call, even when it leads us into challenging paths. Strengthen our faith and trust in You, knowing that Your ways are higher than our own.
In Jesus' name, we pray.
Amen
