Obedience is the burial of the will and the resurrection of humility.
– John Climacus

 Obedience Defined:  In the Old Testament the word for obedience means to "hear and do."  In the New Testament it is defined as compliance or submission – the obedience shown in observing the requirements of God. 

What are we to “hear and do”?  God's Word is our authority, so by it, we are to obey what God teaches us to do and live in the way He instructs. 

Do you not know that when you present yourselves to someone as slaves for obedience, you are slaves of the one whom you obey, either of sin resulting in death, or of obedience resulting in righteousness?(Romans 6:16) (NAS)

We can’t make God love us any more or any less than He already does.  We can’t earn our salvation.  What can we do?  God’s Word is the authority, so we can study His precepts and learn what He requires of us. 

First, we should recognize that each person has different gifts. Practicing those gifts for the glory of God is a key component of an obedient life of faith.

Now there are a variety of gifts, but the same Spirit.  And there are varieties of ministries, and the same Lord.  There are varieties of effects, but the same God who works all things in all persons.  But to each one is given the manifestation of the spirit for the common good.
(I Corinthians 12:4-11) (NAS)

Next, God calls us to love.  In fact, He instructs us that loving Him and loving those around us are the greatest commandments. 

“Teacher, which is the great commandment in the Law?”  And He said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.’  This is the great and foremost commandment.  The second is like it, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”
(Matthew 22:36-39) (NAS)

“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another"
(John 13:34)

Worship Defined:  Worship means to show reverence, adoration and/or homage to someone by bowing down or prostrating oneself.   

God is spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.  (John 4:24) (NAS)

Worship is a natural response for those who have experienced God’s mercy and grace.  When we are walking in obedience and studying His word, we can’t help but bow down before Him in reverence with praise and thanksgiving for who He is. 

When you realize that you’ve been saved from sin and death, a very natural response is to want praise Him endlessly, and to “take up one’s cross” and follow Jesus.  That is exactly what He calls us to do, each and every day.