Disobedience is as old as humanity itself. From the very beginning, we see people choosing their own way over God’s commands, often with devastating consequences. The Bible tells us that disobedience is not simply about rebellion—it’s about a heart that fails to trust God, His wisdom, and His perfect plan. And yet, how often do we find ourselves making the same mistakes?
Think about it: How often do we ignore what God has said, justify our actions, or substitute His commands with what we think is “good enough”? The truth is, disobedience doesn’t always look like outright rebellion. Sometimes it’s subtle, like neglecting what God has commanded or adding our own traditions to His Word. Other times, it’s more blatant, like choosing to do exactly what He has forbidden. Whatever the form, disobedience separates us from God and leads to spiritual disaster.
This topic isn’t just an abstract idea—it’s deeply personal. Have you ever wondered if there are areas in your life where you might be disobeying God without even realizing it? Are there commands you’ve overlooked, instructions you’ve altered, or sins you’ve justified? The Bible is full of examples that warn us about the consequences of disobedience, and they serve as a wake-up call for all of us to align our lives with God’s will.
In this article, we’ll explore five ways people disobey God, both in biblical times and today. These lessons are more than historical accounts; they are meant to challenge us to reflect on our own lives and strive for faithful obedience. Let us learn from the mistakes of the past so we can walk in the light of God’s truth.
1. Doing What Is Forbidden
The first and most obvious way to disobey God is by doing what He has clearly forbidden. This form of disobedience is as old as the story of Adam and Eve. God gave them one clear command: “From the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for on the day that you eat from it you will certainly die” (Genesis 2:17). Yet, they chose to listen to the serpent and eat the fruit, plunging humanity into sin and separation from God (Genesis 3:6-7).
This pattern repeats throughout Scripture. Lot’s wife disobeyed God’s command not to look back at the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, and her disobedience cost her life: “But Lot’s wife, from behind him, looked back, and she became a pillar of salt” (Genesis 19:26).
Another striking example is found in 1 Kings 13. God explicitly instructed a prophet not to eat or drink in the place where he was sent. However, he allowed himself to be deceived by another prophet, disobeyed God’s word, and faced tragic consequences. “So he went back with him and ate bread in his house and drank water… Then he went and a lion met him on the way and killed him” (1 Kings 13:19, 24).
Even today, we face the temptation to do what God has forbidden. Paul reminds us of the works of the flesh in Galatians 5:19-21, which include sexual immorality, idolatry, jealousy, and drunkenness. These actions may seem appealing in the moment, but Paul warns, “Those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.” Are we willing to trust God enough to avoid what He has forbidden, even when the world tells us it’s okay?
2. Refusing to Do What Is Commanded
Just as doing what is forbidden is sinful, so is refusing to do what God has commanded. Jonah is a classic example of this. God told him, “Arise, go to Nineveh, the great city, and cry out against it, because their wickedness has come up before Me” (Jonah 1:2). Instead of obeying, Jonah fled in the opposite direction. His refusal to follow God’s command led to a storm, a great fish, and ultimately his repentance and submission to God’s will.
This type of disobedience is still common today. How often do we neglect God’s commands to assemble with other believers (Hebrews 10:25), to give as we have been prospered (1 Corinthians 16:1-2), or to visit widows and orphans (James 1:27)? Each of these commands reflects God’s heart for His people and the world. By neglecting them, we not only disobey God, but we also miss the opportunity to grow in our faith and bless others.
Are there commands of God that you’ve been avoiding? What’s holding you back from obedience?
3. Adding to What Is Revealed
Another way to disobey God is by adding to His Word. Deuteronomy 4:2 warns, “You shall not add to the word which I am commanding you, nor take away from it, so that you may keep the commandments of the Lord your God.” Similarly, Revelation 22:18 states, “If anyone adds to them, God will add to him the plagues that are written in this book.”
One example is Noah’s obedience in building the ark. God gave him exact specifications, and Noah followed them to the letter (Genesis 6:14-22). If Noah had added his own ideas to God’s plan, he would have disobeyed.
Today, we face similar challenges. God has instructed us to worship Him through singing (Ephesians 5:19), to baptize believers (Mark 16:16), and to observe the Lord’s Supper with bread and fruit of the vine (Matthew 26:26-29). Adding human traditions or changes to these commands undermines the simplicity and purity of God’s instructions. Are we careful to do only what God has revealed?
4. Taking Away from What Is Revealed
Just as dangerous as adding to God’s Word is the act of taking away from it. Deuteronomy 12:32 says, “Whatever I command you, you shall be careful to do; you shall not add to nor take away from it.”
An example of this is Naaman, who was commanded to dip seven times in the Jordan River to be cleansed of leprosy. If he had dipped fewer times or chosen a different river, he would not have been healed (2 Kings 5:1-14). Similarly, when we take away from God’s commands today—whether it’s neglecting baptism, altering worship practices, or ignoring the Lord’s Supper—we disobey His Word.
What parts of God’s commands might you be neglecting or overlooking? Are you fully following His plan?
5. Substituting for What Is Commanded
Finally, substituting our own ideas for God’s commands is another form of disobedience. Cain and Abel provide a vivid example of this. While Abel offered a sacrifice that pleased God, Cain substituted his own idea of worship, and God did not accept it (Genesis 4:3-5).
Today, many substitute sprinkling or pouring for baptism, despite God’s command to be buried with Christ in baptism (Romans 6:4). Others substitute prayer or emotion for baptism as a step of salvation. These substitutions may seem harmless, but they deviate from God’s instructions and reveal a lack of trust in His wisdom.
Conclusion: Will You Obey?
Disobedience comes in many forms—doing what is forbidden, refusing to do what is commanded, adding to or taking away from God’s Word, and substituting for His commands. Each reflects a failure to trust God and His perfect plan.
Jesus said, “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments” (John 14:15). Are you willing to obey God in all things, exactly as He has instructed? Are there areas of your life where you’ve been disobedient, whether knowingly or unknowingly?
Take time to reflect on these questions and commit to aligning your life with God’s will. Your faith, your obedience, and your trust in Him will lead to blessings both now and for eternity.
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