To Obey is Better Than Sacrifice

We can become very creative in our abilities to disobey God and placate our consciences in the process. But such shenanigans do not impress the Lord.

To Obey is Better Than Sacrifice

"So Samuel said:
'Has the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices,
As in obeying the voice of the LORD?
Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice,
And to heed than the fat of rams.'"

(1 Samuel 15:22)

This verse from 1 Samuel has had an impact on my life for many years. I remember first hearing this biblical passage when I was a student at the University of Mobile in Alabama. These words still speak to me and guide me in my relationship with the Lord: "To obey is better than sacrifice." Obedience is always the best path to choose for the follower of Jesus. We have a free will, and we can choose to obey God or not. When can also choose to do as King Saul did and compromise. Saul thought he could appease God and His prophet, Samuel, by offering sacrificial animals instead of simply doing what God told him to do.

We are much like Saul. We can become very creative in our abilities to disobey God and placate our consciences in the process. But such shenanigans do not impress the Lord. He gives commands and expects us as His people to do what He tells us to do. I think of Jesus' powerful teaching when He said in Luke 6:46, "But why do you call Me 'Lord, Lord,' and not do the things which I say?" God has clearly spoken in His Word, the Holy Bible. As His people, it is important for us to daily open the Bible, read it, and ask the Holy Spirit to speak to us as we read. It is amazing how God will prompt us by His Holy Spirit to obey what we read in the Word of God.

For example, I read in my quiet time today Psalm 143:8:

"Cause me to hear Your lovingkindness in the morning,
For in You do I trust;
Cause me to know the way in which I should walk,
For I lift up my soul to You."

As I am seeking the Lord for clear direction, I have a choice. I can worry and try to figure out what I am supposed to do next, or I can pray, trust God, and obey Him, knowing that He clearly teaches me that He will show me the way in which I should walk.

How is God speaking to you through His Word? Are you trying to creatively look for ways to disobey God, to compromise as Saul did? Let me encourage you to obey God. Do what He tells you promptly. It will turn out very well for you, for the Lord always blesses obedience.