It is for each of us freely to choose whom we shall serve, and find in that obedience our freedom. — Mary Richards

As eager as we can be to obey God, leaping in too quickly is also a problem. In modern evangelism, we can occasionally skip over love and empowerment—the necessary first two steps—and dive right into action. Without the motive of love or the power of dependence on Christ, we blast away and cause damage.

Because of the service by which you have proved yourselves, others will praise God for the obedience that accompanies your confession of the gospel of Christ, and for your generosity in sharing with them and with everyone else. (2 Corinthians 9:13)

You can see what obedience done right looks like: Others will see it and praise God. Apart from a heart that is truly learning to love God, we will have no motivation for obedience other than the abject fear of punishment. A lack of understanding of love and dependency always leads to legalism.

Is obedience important? Yes! Do we produce it out of the flesh? No! Our love for Him, yielded to Him as He lives within us, is where we should find ourselves walking in obedience.