Saturday, August 2, 2025
It's entirely possible to appear successful in leadership while quietly drifting from the heart of God. Titles may earn respect, and talent might draw attention, but those things don’t move God. He’s after something deeper. What God desires is a heart fully surrendered and obedient to his voice.
When we actively listen for God's voice, living in obedience becomes our outward expression of inner surrender. Jesus puts it simply in John 14:15 ESV, "If you love me, you will keep my commandments."
Jesus ties obedience to relationship, not rule-following. It's not about checking boxes but about staying close to his heart. Faithful obedience flows from love, not obligation. But what kind of love is Jesus talking about when it comes to our leadership and influence on others?
1 Corinthians 13:1 offers clarity: "If I could speak all the languages of earth and of angels, but didn't love others, I would only be a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal."
Without love, even the most impressive gifts, faith, or sacrifices amount to nothing. The love that fuels obedience is patient, kind, and selfless, not flashy or performative.
Your talents may open doors, but only obedience keeps them open. Throughout Scripture, we see a consistent pattern of those who lose sight of obedience while also losing their influence. Saul was replaced by David (1 Samuel 16:13-14). Eli's family line was cut off (1 Samuel 2:27-30), and Joshua succeeded Moses (Numbers 27:12-23). Talent is replaceable, but faithfulness is irreplaceable.
Obedience in the unseen places shapes influence in the seen ones. It might not always look impressive, but it builds a foundation that lasts. God doesn't need perfection. You can unlock spiritual influence by saying “yes” to God and demonstrating quiet, consistent love for others. It is through these actions that lasting impact is formed.
Take one tangible step this week to commit to really listening to what God is calling you toward.
Don't wait. Your private obedience fuels your public impact, and it all begins with love.
Prayer:
God, help me love you deeply and obey you fully. Strip away anything false or performative. Let my life be rooted in quiet faithfulness, not outward applause. Please give me strength to follow when no one sees, and build something lasting through my surrender. Amen.
Series Theme Verse:
Psalm 85:8
I listen carefully to what God the Lord is saying, for he speaks peace to his faithful people. But let them not return to their foolish ways.
This post was adapted from the 3 in 30 message shared by Zeeke Griffin on our Online Campus. Zeeke is the Director of Students at the Findlay Campus.