Daily Devotional – Tuesday, March 17, 2026
We ought to obey God rather than men.
Acts 5:29 (NKJV)
During a meeting at work, a young clerical officer encountered a challenging situation. A manager proposed manipulating a report to make the outcomes seem better than they actually were. The idea seemed to be acceptable to everyone else. Nobody raised an objection. The choice was clear: either conform to the crowd or behave morally. The pressure to conform was subtle but strong.
Choosing Conviction Over Convenience
Peter and the apostles were in a much harder test in Acts 5. They were asked to cease teaching about Jesus by the religious authorities. “We ought to obey God rather than men,” was Peter’s firm response. He was stating that whenever human instruction conflicts with God’s will and truth, God’s command must take precedence rather than rejecting authority per se.
Deciding to obey God is not always easy. It often entails separating yourself from others. Nevertheless, even in situations where obedience is unpopular, God exhorts His people to stay faithful throughout Scripture. It takes bravery and conviction to trust God’s direction, particularly when other people’s expectations force us to make concessions.
When Approval and Obedience Collide
Today’s believers face more subdued versions of the same problem. Friends, coworkers, social expectations, and cultural trends could all be sources of pressure. To be a disciple is to put God’s will ahead of the need for acceptance. When we choose to be faithful instead of compromising, we show that our loyalty to God comes before what other people think.
Think about situations in which you might be tempted to follow persuasion rather than conviction. Ask God to help you make better decisions and to fortify your resolve. Decide to obey, believing that God’s consolation and approval outweigh any approval from the masses.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, when obedience demands bravery, strengthen my heart and help me stay loyal to You above all other voices.
