While we’ve been wearing face coverings, I’ve lost a few earrings. Somehow the process of attaching the stringed loops behind my ears has resulted in me loosing my jewelry. Often when I’ve realized it, I’m no longer in the space that my items were lost. I’ve been disappointed a little, but I’m not at a loss for my obedience. Since March 2020, we’ve been encouraged and even mandated to wear face coverings. While I haven’t always liked it, my soror reminded me that over time we’ve gotten accustomed to it. We’ve learned to breathe behind the face coverings, we’ve been able to secure decorative ones with messaging and we’ve even coordinated them with our ensembles. What I gather is that in our attempt to be obedient, we may loose somethings along the way, but in the final analysis, we will gain so much more. I am reminded of I Samuel 15:22 that states, Does the Lord delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the Lord? To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams.” In other words, I can get another pair of earrings – I cannot get another life – or better still, ensure that you have another based upon my intent to be disobedient.

Yesterday, millions paused to acknowledge the resurrection of Jesus the Christ. The Sunday after the crucifixion represents the most pivotal and important day for the believer – and while we shout over an empty grave and the fact that Jesus is preparing a home for us, we cannot forgot that the possibility of abundance lies in the action of obedience. Jesus certainly didn’t choose death, but He did choose obedience. Jesus wasn’t checking for earrings, or His “rights” or His disbelief, but instead, simply following the voice of God.

How often do we choose to follow our own path as opposed to the one prepared for us by the Almighty? Do we internally feel we know best or is it that we just want to rock our own bamboo earrings, at least two pair; knowing in the end that we are dead wrong?!!!! Is it because we inherently know that Jesus overcame the grave for our sin, and that we have free will to act, move and have our being – as we see fit? God help us! God help us to realize the weight of the cross during our wait for our desires, our hopes, our dreams, our next. Operating in a spirit of obedience may result in us loosing somethings along the way, but the payoff in the end is well worth it.

I’m not referring to the payoff in Glory, I’m referring to payoff on earth. Through our life, health and strength; our places of employment and business; our children, our children’s children, our safety, our decisions, our finances and our access. Whatever you stand in need of, I guarantee your obedience will play a role in your abundance. It doesn’t mean that you won’t incur damage and trials and tribulation – but what I can say is that you will prevail despite what you face. Obedience will not hurt us, instead, it will help us. Most importantly, it will bless us. Growing up, we assumed the practice of taking off our earrings when we were prepared to fight. But guess what? Jesus keeps earrings off and stays fighting for you and me! The fight was won at Calvary! Our response is to obey, as Jesus demonstrated. Go ahead and take off your earrings (if you’re wearing some) throw your head back and give Him a great praise!