Trust and Obey.

"Now in these days when the disciples were increasing in number, a complaint by the Hellenists arose against the Hebrews because their widows were being neglected in the daily distribution. 2 And the twelve summoned the full number of the disciples and said, “It is not right that we should give up preaching the word of God to serve tables. 3 Therefore, brothers, pick out from among you seven men of good repute,full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we will appoint to this duty. 4 But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.” 5 And what they said pleased the whole gathering, and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolaus, a proselyte of Antioch. 6 These they set before the apostles, and they prayed and laid their hands on them.

7 And the word of God continued to increase, and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests became obedient to the faith." (Acts 6:1-7)

The matter of obedience is a human's constant area of struggle, especially in relation to God. Our obedience to God is vital to our relationship with Him.

First thing that came to mind with the word 'obedience..'

Being "Called" is a hugely important concept in obedience. In the Kingdom of God, in order to serve your King, you must be obedient, you must be called. 

The story of the disciples figuring which were called to "serve tables," discloses the importance of obedience. A need arose where the widows of the Hellenists were being neglected in the distribution of food, so the disciples go about the process of finding those to serve through prayer. And the criteria they use are those who are "full of faith and of the 
Holy Spirit,". 

This astounds me. Why? Because the disciples sought the Lord, and had in mind to choose those not of exceptional ability or skill, or the least skilled people to fill what could be considered a less than exciting role in ministry, but those who were filled with the Spirit. In my eyes, the task of serving tables pales in desirable-ness to going out and preaching the gospel. It seems like such a menial task. 

You will of course say, "Well, God uses all things to minister to people. A position serving tables is just as amazing and important an opportunity for ministry as actually going out to preach." This is true, no denying that. But I know in my heart, there are times when I know that, but really don't feel the pleasure, or see the grace of and in such a position. 

What kept the attitude of the disciples in check? Having a tight relationship with God, and realizing obedience to Him was all they desired, obedience is the story of their lives. Their joy was in their obedience to God. 

When we obey, we do not enter a position lightly, that is to say, we do not serve simply to fill a need. When a need arises, you're better off checking yourself first, by checking in with God, otherwise you will wreck yourself ( :P ). Christian burnouts and bitterness occur either because we aren't leaning on God completely, or because we decided to fill a need without being called. 

God doesn't need us to fill needs, He doesn't need us to volunteer just to be "good Samaritans". He wants obedience. 

Christians who are strong in faith, and full of the Holy Spirit, have growing, intimate relationships with Jesus, and as a result they trust and obey. Those who enter into ministry without being called to that ministry only end up causing trouble for themselves. 

Christians who pursue God, and not deeds, find themselves fully desiring to obey God by His grace, to do as Jesus leads them to do, and in the end find their relationship with God to be stronger. And not only that, but the gospel and the word of God increases, and it leads others to obedience. 

"Every time I obey, the absolute deity of God is on my side, so that the grace of God and my natural obedience are in agreement." -Oswald Chambers

The honor and glory to God in a position of lowliness is not from serving a position because you have to fill a need, but in joyful obedience to a calling. Close relationship to God keeps us from becoming bitter, distrustful, and seeing callings as "things we must do because we were told to". 

The hymn "Trust and Obey", (by John Sammis and Daniel Towner) was inspired by the simple words of childlike faith from a young, unseasoned Christian named Dwight L. Moody. 

When we walk with the Lord

  In the light of His Word,

What a glory He sheds on our way;

  While we do His good will,

  He abides with us still,

And with all who will trust and obey. 

Trust and obey,

For there’s no other way

To be happy in Jesus,

  But to trust and obey.

Your calling to ministry is a privilege and grace. It is a huge honor when you think that God desires to work through you for this specific purpose. For all He desires of us is that we trust and obey. Obedience means that we have completely placed our trust in Christ and His atonement.