The root word for obey in Hebrew is shama which also means hearing. In the case of Abraham who heard and hearkened to God, shama can mean to obey. Listen to my words and obey me.
Remember Joseph's dream in Genesis 37:6 he persuaded everyone to listen as he told his dream. Using the root word shama for hearing, and persuading his brothers to hear the dream. This was a request for their undivided attention. "Please listen to this dream which I have had."
Now the Greek word for obey is peitho (pi-tho) when used in the active voice its meaning is to convince by analogy or persuasion. Therefore you are not submitting blindly to authority in reaction to a command. You are being persuaded that this is the best way. God does not want us to blindly obey Him.
Since obedience is a conduct and may be observed, when we obey we give the only possible evidence that we believe in God. Also, in reality it is the persuasion of truth that results in faith.
When you obey you are making a quality decision based on truth. After learning the truth you develop faith.
"But thanks be to God that though you were slaves of sin, you became obedient from the heart to that form of teaching to which you were committed." (Romans 6: 17) NASB
In summary, the word obey is not negative or bad. To obey is good. It means we have made a decision to have faith in the truth.
Blessings to all,
Carma
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