Obey God Rather Than Men: When Obedience Costs Us

 “We gave you strict orders not to teach in this name,” he said. “Yet you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and are determined to make us guilty of this man’s blood.” Peter and the other apostles replied: “We must obey God rather than men!” (NIV)

Acts 5:28-29

Dear Friends,

Obedience is an important concept in God’s design for life, even obedience to rulers who may not share our values. Scripture teaches us to respect authority, but there are rare moments when civil disobedience becomes an act of faithfulness. These moments occur when a human command directly contradicts God’s commands. When that happens, a choice must be made.

In our culture, we don’t usually appreciate being told how to live or what to do. Yet for society to function well, leaders must establish guidelines so communities can thrive.

When Obedience Honors God

God clearly instructs His people to respect the leaders He has placed over them. Paul emphasized this truth when he urged Timothy to pray for all people, including kings and those in authority. Our obedience, combined with faithful prayer, helps cultivate an environment of peaceful and quiet living, and this kind of submission pleases God.

The Tension Between Authority and Faith

Still, there are times when following God requires us to surrender comfort and security. Leaders may demand obedience, but Scripture reminds us that there is a higher authority. When earthly commands conflict with God’s truth, believers are sometimes called to obey God rather than men.

A Personal Lesson in Standing Firm

I remember a defining moment from my youth when my parents and I faced such a decision – one that came at a personal cost. In seventh grade, I played in the junior high school band. I loved my instrument and enjoyed being part of a group of young musicians. One day, the band director announced we would be marching in a town parade at 11:00 a.m. on Sunday morning. He made it clear there would be no excuses – especially not church attendance.

This posed a problem. My family regularly attended church at that hour to worship and honor God. While we didn’t believe missing a single Sunday service was inherently sinful, the director’s ultimatum felt like a challenge to our priorities. In his view, the parade mattered more than our commitment to church, our faith, and our God.

After much discussion, I approached the band director and explained that I couldn’t be there on Sunday morning. His response was swift and final: I was permanently removed from the band. I was hurt and embarrassed, but I knew I had done the right thing. Looking back, I can see how God honored that decision. Even though the director’s harsh reaction felt like persecution to a middle schooler, it became an early lesson in standing firm for what I believed.

When Following God Comes at a Cost

Peter and John faced a similar decision – only with far greater consequences.

When the religious leaders heard the apostles preaching, they arrested them and placed them in the public jail. But during the night, an angel of the Lord miraculously opened the doors and instructed them to return to the temple courts and continue proclaiming the message of salvation through Jesus. At daybreak, Peter and John obeyed without hesitation.

Unaware of the miraculous escape, the religious leaders convened a morning council and sent for the prisoners. The report stunned them: the jail was securely locked and guarded, yet the men were gone. Soon after, word arrived that Peter and John were standing in the temple courts, boldly teaching as before.

“We Must Obey God Rather Than Men”

The leaders rushed in, furious and incredulous, demanding to know why the apostles had ignored their direct orders. Peter’s response was simple, courageous, and unwavering:

“We must obey God rather than men.”

How many of us would show that kind of boldness in such a volatile situation?

I’m grateful that we still enjoy relative freedom in our country to speak openly about what we believe. Yet there may come a day when following God’s commands is no longer popular, or even permitted. If that time comes, the consequences may be uncomfortable or costly. How will we respond? Will we stand down . . . or stand up?

The apostles, while ordinarily law-abiding citizens, chose to obey God rather than men when forced to decide. Despite the cost, they understood where their ultimate loyalty belonged.

Who Holds Your Highest Loyalty?

I hope none of us are ever placed in circumstances as severe as theirs. Still, even in the ordinary moments of daily life, we face choices that reveal whom we truly serve.

The question remains: when obedience is costly, who will you choose?

Love,

Mama

If this Scripture-based encouragement challenged or blessed you, I’d love to hear your story. Have you ever had to choose obedience to God over comfort or approval? Share your thoughts in the comments or reach out to me directly at [email protected]. Let’s encourage one another to stand firm in faith.