Most of us don’t jump for joy when we hear the word obligation. Why? Because it sounds like work—most likely for someone else’s benefit. But what if some obligations actually enriched us rather than burdened us? What if they were actually the key to a life of deep joy and fulfillment?
In Romans 13:8, Paul presents an obligation like this—one that should excite us: “Owe nothing to anyone—except for your obligation to love one another . . .”
The Greek word for obligation here is opheiletes, meaning “an indebted one,” or “someone who owes something.” But this isn’t an obligation that drains us—it fills us. Loving others isn’t just for their benefit; it transforms us, too, strengthening our hearts and bringing us closer to God’s purpose.
Paul speaks of another life-giving obligation in Romans 8:12-14: “Therefore, brothers and sisters, we have an obligation—but it is not to the flesh, to live according to it. For if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live. For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God.”
Here, our obligation is to live by the Spirit. This isn’t a burden—it’s the key to spiritual abundance, miracle-working power, and lasting joy. In Mark 6, we find the disciples in a moment where they must choose to honor their obligation—to trust in the Spirit rather than give in to fear.
After feeding the five thousand, Jesus sent His disciples ahead of Him by boat while He went to pray. As night fell, a fierce wind arose, tossing their boat in the waves. For hours, they struggled against the storm until, in the darkest hours, Jesus came to them—walking on the water. Terrified, they thought He was a ghost, but He immediately reassured them: “Take heart! It is I. Do not be afraid.” (Mark 6:50).
Then, Jesus stepped into the boat, and immediately the storm calmed. The disciples’ fear—both of the storm and of Jesus approaching—revealed their internal battle between the flesh and the Spirit. They just witnessed Jesus’ power firsthand, and still they struggled to trust Him!
It sounds crazy, but how often do we do the same? When storms hit our lives, how often do we rush to panic rather than trusting God and inviting Him into our struggles? Honoring our obligation to live by the Spirit means choosing faith even in the most chaotic moments—surrendering control, leaning into God’s promises, and trusting that He is greater than our fears.
When we embrace this divine obligation, we don’t just survive life’s storms—we thrive through them. We move from fear to faith, from striving to resting in God’s power, and from feeling lost to walking in deep peace, unshakable confidence, and unwavering trust.
When we honor our obligation to live by the spirit, it makes our life rich!
