Quiet obedience rarely trends, but it’s one of the most powerful ways God shapes us—and shapes the world. Matthew 1:24–25 gives us a front-row seat to Joseph’s steady, unseen faithfulness, the kind that doesn’t chase applause but clings to God’s voice. His story reminds us that the most transformative moments often happen in the quiet: choosing humility over reputation, choosing trust over fear, choosing God’s will over our own desire for approval.

Highlights


Joseph models courageous faith expressed through quiet, daily obedience.


True spiritual maturity often develops in small, unseen acts of service.


Reputation and comfort weren’t Joseph’s priority—honoring God was.


Modern faith can get tangled in platform-building rather than genuine surrender.


God often uses private obedience to create lasting public impact.


Knowing God intimately fuels trust, humility, and courage to obey without recognition.


This season invites reflection on our motives: Are we obeying for His glory or our own?

Gift Inspiration: Crosswalk's Holiday Gift Guide

Looking for a meaningful way to celebrate the season? Check out our Holiday Gift Guide—from beautifully illustrated Bibles and devotionals to novels, greeting cards, and picture books, there’s something for everyone on your list. Wrap up stories for loved ones, tuck a book into your own nightstand, and join us in celebrating the wonder of giving this Christmas!

Full Transcript Below:

What Joseph Teaches Us about Quiet Obedience

By Peyton Garland

Bible Reading:
“When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife. But he did not consummate their marriage until she gave birth to a son. And he gave him the name Jesus.” Matthew 1:24-25 (NIV)

I was warned that he was wild in his teen years. One of my best friends, who knew him then, begged me not to date him. I appreciated the concern, truly. But something about this new man in my life felt different from the other guys. Besides, are any of us at our best at sixteen?

Sure, I was wary that he hadn’t attended church in years, but I understood the burn he had felt from church people in places of spiritual leadership. In fact, I could relate to that deep, spiritual pain. However, a few months into dating him, when I grew frustrated and angry with his cynicism towards the church, I was ready to end our relationship. I was through. I was willing to believe that he was still that same sixteen-year-old boy. But loudly and clearly, I felt God stir in my soul, “Nope. Hang on. Stick with him.” 

So I held fast to God’s voice rather than what I had spiritually determined about my then-boyfriend. Today, almost nine years later, I have no regrets. This cynical guy became my husband, a patient, hardworking man. He became the father to my children, a protective, present man. He became an active member of our church and is now a life group leader for nine families, a humble, changed man. 

It’s often the quiet, humble obedience that makes a lasting impact. It’s the daily surrender, the daily willingness to obey in the small things, that softens our hearts. After all, anyone can stand on a stage with a microphone in hand because it often conveys their importance and (sometimes faulty) leadership qualities. Anyone can gain a social media following and throw Jesus’ name somewhere in their bio. This measly effort grants them digital access as a “theological” influencer. 

But to fix the church’s toilet on a random Tuesday, like my husband did a few months back, when no one is there to notice or care, doesn’t come with worldly praise. 

Showing up at a life group member’s work with a coffee early one morning just to let them know they are loved, like my husband often does, will never be a flashy form of service. 

Joseph was never going to be popular by marrying a woman whose supposed adultery should have had her stoned, bearing the religious and social disgrace he never asked for. Yet he did it anyway. He trusted in God’s messenger, displaying loud, bold faith in a quiet, humble way. He didn’t waste his time trying to convince others that Mary was blameless because his reputation wasn’t his concern. His greatest concern and longing was to pursue truth and honor God. 

How often can we say that of ourselves? When do we abandon our clout, our following, our comfort, or even our safety, to honor God? Most days, we won’t mention Jesus unless it’s trendy, and we certainly won’t die to ourselves for His glory in the quiet, where no one can see us.

Joseph teaches us that quiet obedience is rooted in love, in intimately knowing and trusting God. If we know God, truly know Him, then we know He is good and has our best interest at heart. This allows us to let go of anything we cling to for comfort and control so we can embrace whatever calling He has placed on our lives, no matter how big or small we label it. 

This Christmas season, consider how intimately you know the Savior. Consider if/when you sacrifice your pride to humbly serve others, even if no one knows. Consider what motivates your obedience to God. Is it from a deep desire to serve your Savior? Or is it for show? A following? To make a name for yourself? 

Mary, Joseph, and most certainly Baby Jesus gave up everything to humbly proclaim the good news of salvation. Why can’t we? 

Intersecting Faith & Life:

Take a few moments to reflect on the last time you humbly served someone else. What was your motivation? How did you feel after obeying? Ask God to soften your heart and reveal any ways that pride has kept you from quiet obedience. 

Further Reading:

Matthew 2

Advent Lesson 2 from the Life of Joseph: A Man Like Joseph

Quiet obedience rarely trends, but it&rsquo;s one of the most powerful ways God shapes us&mdash;and shapes the world. Matthew 1:24&ndash;25 gives us a front-row seat to Joseph&rsquo;s steady, unseen faithfulness, the kind that doesn&rsquo;t chase applause but clings to God&rsquo;s voice. His story reminds us that the most transformative moments often happen in the quiet: choosing humility over reputation, choosing trust over fear, choosing God&rsquo;s will over our own desire for approval.
Highlights
<ul data-start="486" data-end="1046">
<li data-start="486" data-end="562">
Joseph models courageous faith expressed through quiet, daily obedience.
</li>
<li data-start="563" data-end="639">
True spiritual maturity often develops in small, unseen acts of service.
</li>
<li data-start="640" data-end="710">
Reputation and comfort weren&rsquo;t Joseph&rsquo;s priority&mdash;honoring God was.
</li>
<li data-start="711" data-end="795">
Modern faith can get tangled in platform-building rather than genuine surrender.
</li>
<li data-start="796" data-end="865">
God often uses private obedience to create lasting public impact.
</li>
<li data-start="866" data-end="956">
Knowing God intimately fuels trust, humility, and courage to obey without recognition.
</li>
<li data-start="957" data-end="1046">
This season invites reflection on our motives: Are we obeying for His glory or our own?
</li>
</ul>
<hr>
Gift Inspiration: Crosswalk's&nbsp;<a href="https://www.crosswalk.com/holiday-gift-guide-2025/">Holiday Gift Guide</a>
Looking for a meaningful way to celebrate the season? Check out our Holiday Gift Guide&mdash;from beautifully illustrated Bibles and devotionals to novels, greeting cards, and picture books, there&rsquo;s something for everyone on your list. Wrap up stories for loved ones, tuck a book into your own nightstand, and join us in celebrating the wonder of giving this Christmas!
<hr>
Full Transcript Below:
What Joseph Teaches Us about Quiet Obedience
By Peyton Garland
Bible Reading: &ldquo;When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife. But he did not consummate their marriage until she gave birth to a son. And he gave him the name Jesus.&rdquo; Matthew 1:24-25 (NIV)
I was warned that he was wild in his teen years. One of my best friends, who knew him then, begged me not to date him. I appreciated the concern, truly. But something about this new man in my life felt different from the other guys. Besides, are any of us at our best at sixteen?
Sure, I was wary that he hadn&rsquo;t attended church in years, but I understood the burn he had felt from church people in places of spiritual leadership. In fact, I could relate to that deep, spiritual pain. However, a few months into dating him, when I grew frustrated and angry with his cynicism towards the church, I was ready to end our relationship. I was through. I was willing to believe that he was still that same sixteen-year-old boy. But loudly and clearly, I felt God stir in my soul, &ldquo;Nope. Hang on. Stick with him.&rdquo;&nbsp;
So I held fast to God&rsquo;s voice rather than what I had spiritually determined about my then-boyfriend. Today, almost nine years later, I have no regrets. This cynical guy became my husband, a patient, hardworking man. He became the father to my children, a protective, present man. He became an active member of our church and is now a life group leader for nine families, a humble, changed man.&nbsp;
It&rsquo;s often the quiet, humble obedience that makes a lasting impact. It&rsquo;s the daily surrender, the daily willingness to obey in the small things, that softens our hearts. After all, anyone can stand on a stage with a microphone in hand because it often conveys their importance and (sometimes faulty) leadership qualities. Anyone can gain a social media following and throw Jesus&rsquo; name somewhere in their bio. This measly effort grants them digital access as a &ldquo;theological&rdquo; influencer.&nbsp;
But to fix the church&rsquo;s toilet on a random Tuesday, like my husband did a few months back, when no one is there to notice or care, doesn&rsquo;t come with worldly praise.&nbsp;
Showing up at a life group member&rsquo;s work with a coffee early one morning just to let them know they are loved, like my husband often does, will never be a flashy form of service.&nbsp;
Joseph was never going to be popular by marrying a woman whose supposed adultery should have had her stoned, bearing the religious and social disgrace he never asked for. Yet he did it anyway. He trusted in God&rsquo;s messenger, displaying loud, bold faith in a quiet, humble way. He didn&rsquo;t waste his time trying to convince others that Mary was blameless because his reputation wasn&rsquo;t his concern. His greatest concern and longing was to pursue truth and honor God.&nbsp;
How often can we say that of ourselves? When do we abandon our clout, our following, our comfort, or even our safety, to honor God? Most days, we won&rsquo;t mention Jesus unless it&rsquo;s trendy, and we certainly won&rsquo;t die to ourselves for His glory in the quiet, where no one can see us.
Joseph teaches us that quiet obedience is rooted in love, in intimately knowing and trusting God. If we know God, truly&nbsp;know Him, then we know He is good and has our best interest at heart. This allows us to let go of anything we cling to for comfort and control so we can embrace whatever calling He has placed on our lives, no matter how big or small we label it.&nbsp;
This Christmas season, consider how intimately you know the Savior. Consider if/when you sacrifice your pride to humbly serve others, even if no one knows. Consider what motivates your obedience to God. Is it from a deep desire to serve your Savior? Or is it for show? A following? To make a name for yourself?&nbsp;
Mary, Joseph, and most certainly Baby Jesus gave up everything to humbly proclaim the good news of salvation. Why can&rsquo;t we?&nbsp;
Intersecting Faith &amp; Life:
Take a few moments to reflect on the last time you humbly served someone else. What was your motivation? How did you feel after obeying? Ask God to soften your heart and reveal any ways that pride has kept you from quiet obedience.&nbsp;
Further Reading:
Matthew 2
<a href="https://www.crosswalk.com/special-coverage/christmas-and-advent/advent-lesson-2-from-the-life-of-joseph.html">Advent Lesson 2 from the Life of Joseph: A Man Like Joseph</a>

Are you a Christian looking for a daily devotional podcast to encourage, inspire, and convict you in your walk with Christ? 7 days a week, The Crosswalk.com Daily Devotional Podcast offers wisdom and insight for applying Biblical truths to the ups and downs of everyday life. Let's study the Bible together and through the experiences of other believers, learn how to apply the Word of God to our lives.

Here’s just some of what we cover in The Crosswalk Daily Devotional Podcast:

☕️ Why the Tongue Can't Be Tamed (And What to Do about It)
☕️ The Quickest Way to an Attitude Adjustment
☕️ Your Birthday: The Most and Least Important Day of Your Life
☕️ Noticing God's Blessings in the Hardest Moments of Life
☕️ One of the Sneakiest Lies Satan Is Telling the Church
☕️ How to Push Through the Weariness of Prayer
☕️ 3 Steps to Take When Facing Temptation
☕️ What to Remember during a Stressful Election Year

If you love what you're listening to on the podcast, be sure to check out our companion devotional at https://www.crosswalk.com/devotionals/crosswalk-devo/.

Are you a Christian looking for a daily devotional podcast to encourage, inspire, and convict you in your walk with Christ? 7 days a week, The Crosswalk.com Daily Devotional Podcast offers wisdom and insight for applying Biblical truths to the ups and downs of everyday life. Let's study the Bible together and through the experiences of other believers, learn how to apply the Word of God to our lives.
Here’s just some of what we cover in The Crosswalk Daily Devotional Podcast:
☕️ Why the Tongue Can't Be Tamed (And What to Do about It) ☕️ The Quickest Way to an Attitude Adjustment ☕️ Your Birthday: The Most and Least Important Day of Your Life ☕️ Noticing God's Blessings in the Hardest Moments of Life ☕️ One of the Sneakiest Lies Satan Is Telling the Church ☕️ How to Push Through the Weariness of Prayer ☕️ 3 Steps to Take When Facing Temptation ☕️ What to Remember during a Stressful Election Year
If you love what you're listening to on the podcast, be sure to check out our companion devotional at <a href="https://www.crosswalk.com/devotionals/crosswalk-devo/">https://www.crosswalk.com/devotionals/crosswalk-devo/.</a>

7 days a week, The Crosswalk.com Devotional Podcast offers wisdom and insight for applying Biblical truths to the ups and downs of everyday life.

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