Obedience is plays a very important role in our society as it generates the system of hierarchy. It provides order within the society, harmony within the family, and respect within the school/work environment. It supports other values, like knowledge, understanding, humility and gratitude.
When ‘rightful authority’ commands, think, act, or guides one out of good but evil, not for others but for themselves. This obedience has caused and explained for the dismay and the horrors of world war two, where people practiced obedience despite how morally wrong the commands given by ‘rightful authority’ were.
Inauthentic obedience, whereby one pretends and is not genuine on obeying, also can bring negative consequences. An example of such would be inculcating the habit of lying. This is evident in children, when they are not able to resist the temptations of a chocolate, disobeying their parents and the rule of not eating that chocolate. They were not taught to lie but they have learnt to merely choose the easier choice of hiding away from punishment.
Obedience is also difficult in nature as it counters other self-promoting values like self-reliance, independence, autonomy and individualism.
Such obedience is not the type of obedience we want, obedience is something that is supposed to be moral, a virtue, a characteristic that is beneficial for everyone.
As the famous quote says, nothing in life that’s worth having comes easy.
Practicing authentic, genuine obedience, reaping the fruits of obedience is no doubt a difficult process.
Why we often choose disobedience or negative obedience?
It allows us to do what we want. It boosts our pride and ego, the thought of having full freedom to do what we like to do. Being in full control, and having the pleasure of saying ‘I do not need help’.
If we decide not to obey what’s right, a price has to be paid.
Obedience assures us the path to trust those around us; it gives us confidence to see the good in those around us.
Once the good side of every individual is seen, ultimate peace will be granted from within.
3 Ways to be more obedient
Think in the perspective of those holding authority
Question yourself “why do they want you to do this?” Once you realize the reason and see the truth for their actions. It is easier to obey, as you eventually know that their commands are for the sake of the good of the society or personally for you. Even if you still go ahead to disobey their commands, you know that their intentions are not bad, reducing the chances of disobeying them every time.
Avoid back talking
Show gratitude for the authority
Appreciate & acknowledge their role as an authority figure. Authority figures are humans as well; they are the same as everyone. However, they have to shoulder the responsibility of constantly being judged by the eyes of the society. Give thanks that you are not in that position, as they had took up the role with great sacrifice.
Obey Now!
For we are blessed enough to be able to have someone or a society that we can show love to by obeying.
"Having the simplest obedience, create Legends"
