Lent is a special season when Christians learn to obey God through prayer, fasting, and kindness. BETTY AMUKPO asks, but does obedience bring rewards? These essays by children explore how listening to God helps us to grow stronger in faith, develop good character, and receive spiritual blessings that last beyond material gifts.
‘Jesus teaches that those who follow God’s word are blessed’
Lent is a time that emphasises the importance of obedience to God. Scripture indicates that there are benefits for those who follow His commandments. In Deuteronomy 28:1-2, God assures blessings for those who diligently adhere to His laws. Similarly, in Luke 11:28, Jesus teaches that those who listen to and follow God’s word are blessed. Obedience leads to inner peace, spiritual development, and a deeper connection with God. By committing to prayer, fasting, and acts of kindness during Lent, we create space in our hearts to receive God’s blessings and direction.
• Blossom Akalezi
‘When we pray and fast, God blesses us’
Yes, there are rewards for obedience. During Lent, when we pray and fast, God blesses us. “All these blessings shall come upon you” (Deuteronomy 28:2). “We will come to them” (John 14:23). “Blessed are those who hear” (Lk 11:28). Lent teaches that obedience brings blessings. When we turn back to God, He forgives and guides us. “If you are willing and obedient, you shall eat the good” (Isaiah1:19). “We receive from him” (1 John 3:22). “He will make straight your paths” (Proverbs 3:6).
• Ogoke Chimamanda
‘Living obediently brings spiritual rewards
Indeed, the Bible highlights the benefits of obedience. Jesus explains that following God’s commands results in blessings. In John 14:15, He states, “If you love me, keep my commands.” Furthermore, Deuteronomy 28:1-2 states that if you fully obey the Lord and diligently follow His commands, you will receive numerous blessings. Obedience not only delights God but also fosters peace and joy (Philippians 4:9). Therefore, living obediently brings spiritual rewards and deepens one’s relationship with God.
• Arnold Akalezi
‘Obedience leads to blessings, favour, and intimacy with God’
During Lent, we reflect on obedience to God’s commands. But are there rewards for obeying Him? Yes! Deuteronomy 28:1-2 emphasises, “If you fully obey the Lord your God… all these blessings will come on you and overtake you.” Obedience brings prosperity (v. 3-6), protection (v. 7-8), and abundance (v. 9-14). Jesus also said, “If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love” (John 15:10). Obedience leads to blessings, favour, and intimacy with God. In Matthew 25:21, the master says to the faithful servant, “Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Enter into the joy of your master.” This shows that obedience leads to reward and joy. Let us obey God’s word and experience His rewards.
• Asia Alexandra Adanna
‘Trust and obey, for there’s no other way to be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey’
When we choose to obey the Lord, He will bless us. This is because obedience always leads to blessing. The reward of obedience is a loving relationship with Christ, again not an obedience resulting from fear, but an obedience that comes from love and that results in love (John 14:15). In obeying the civil law, we not only avoid the negative (punishment), we enjoy the positive (freedom). In obeying the commandments of God, we not only avoid the negative (hell), we will enjoy the positive (heaven). “Trust and obey, for there’s no other way to be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.” There are huge rewards for obedience as mentioned in Deuteronomy 28: 1-2. Remember that Obedience is better than sacrifice (1 Samuel 15:22).
• Promise Anyikaeme
‘Rewards for obedience are about deepening one’s relationship with God’
During Lent, obedience to God’s will is a key aspect of spiritual growth. Jesus states in Matthew 6:16-18, “When you fast, put on a happy face… so that your fasting may be seen only by your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. Rewards for obedience aren’t about earning salvation but about deepening one’s relationship with God. Galatians 6:7-8 states, “A man reaps what he sows. Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.
• Awaki Barnabas
‘If you are willing and obedient, you shall eat the good of the land’
Obedience removes distractions and strengthens faith. The Bible emphasises that obedience brings blessings, prosperity and protection. If you are willing and obedient, you shall eat the good of the land (Isaiah 1:19). Jesus said that what is done in secret for God is seen by the father. Your fasting, prayer and sacrifices are not wasted. We are encouraged to be obedient to God’s will, and God who sees everything both in secret will reward you. The book of Deuteronomy 28:1-2 explains that if you obey the Lord your God, all these blessings will come on you and overtake you. Psalm 19:11 sates, keeping God’s law, there are great rewards for it. Abraham obeyed God, and he was rewarded greatly; Noah obeyed God and was saved; Daniel also obeyed God; Jesus obeyed the Father. The greatest rewards are:
• Transformation
• Stronger spiritually
• More Christlike
• More aware of grace which is worth more than material gain. Obedience brings life and it leads to blessings.
• Anita Chima
