Obedience Over Hustle: Surrendering the Striving Heart Sample

Maturity Requires Obedience

Can faith mature without obedience? I would propose that the answer is no. 

Hebrews 11:6 ESV says that “without faith, it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.” The second part of the sentence is so important because it stresses effort on the believer’s part—drawing near to God and seeking Him. Both of these ideas imply one thing: movement.

When James talks of “deeds” (James 2:14 NIV), he’s referring to faith in action. He’s encouraging our eagerness to do what God is asking us to do, whether we have a crowd watching or an audience of one. 

Yes, to sharing our faith with our colleagues and friends. 

Yes, to kicking habits, renewing our minds, choosing selflessness, and being people of peace. Yes, to starting a home Bible study or adoption. 

Yes, to giving away more of our money and time. 

Yes, to forgiving, speaking up for others, and living with integrity in a world that values everything but. 

Yes, to living with the expectation that God wants to speak to us, and then moving in the direction that He leads.

It is obedience that moves us from one point in our faith to the next—not mere belief or rehearsed lip service. Obedience is active participation, not just a nod of acknowledgment. It is continuous, the progression from fragile and helpless to courageous and tenacious.

Eugene Peterson paraphrases 1 Thessalonians 5:12 in the Message this way: “And now, friends, we ask you to honor those leaders who work so hard for you, who have been given the responsibility of urging and guiding you along in your obedience.” Peterson places weight not only on the leaders mentioned and their responsibilities but on individual believers too. This is not a verse merely encouraging believers to honor their spiritual leaders, but a reminder to all followers of Jesus that our faith requires movement. That’s why we talk about “walking” with Jesus, not “living stationary” with Him. The role of spiritual leaders is to urge others along in their faith. And the only way to move from one place to the next is through active movement and continual obedience.

The result of physical muscles being nourished and conditioned is that they become more flexible and strengthened over time. But the care for them must be consistent and intentional. One never grows stronger as a result of a part-time commitment to healthy eating and an active lifestyle. We don’t become bodybuilders by watching videos, praying, and speaking in faith over our muscles. No, we have to act. We have to engage our bodies, not just our minds. And our spiritual muscles are no different.

We need to put legs (or action) to our beliefs. We need to wrestle and struggle with our faith until it becomes “mature and complete, not lacking anything” (James 1:4 NIV). What would that even look like? Can you imagine what it would feel like to have faith that was complete?

But, how does one mature without obedience?

Obedience is faith in action. And the result is maturity. Without active movement, faith becomes weak. It is unyielding, selfish, stagnant, and powerless. James would even say, “dead” (James 2:26 NIV).

Looking back, can you see where specific decisions (obedience) led to greater faith? Is there something that once required you to have “great faith,” but now you would be able to make that same decision without any hesitation? Would you describe your relationship with Jesus as one that is “moving along,” or has it become stationary?