To Obey is Better than Sacrifice

1 Samuel 15:22 (New International Version)

But Samuel replied:
"Does the LORD delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices
as much as in obeying the voice of the LORD ?
To obey is better than sacrifice,
and to heed is better than the fat of rams."

Reflection:

A lot of us can be busy building the kingdom but have forgotten the King. We can actually be doing "good" but not actually obeying God.

This is a little tricky because after all, God wants us to do good, to be a blessing and to be at work in the ministry. And yes, that's true! Don't take me wrong, God is glorified with all your labor of love for him. (1 Cor. 15:58) Saul was also doing everything that's good. In 1 Sam 15:20-21, Saul said "But I did obey the LORD," "I went on the mission the LORD assigned me. I completely destroyed the Amalekites and brought back Agag their king. The soldiers took sheep and cattle from the plunder, the best of what was devoted to God, in order to sacrifice them to the LORD your God at Gilgal." But he was rebuked by Samuel saying "Does the LORD delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the voice of the LORD ?"(1 Sam. 15:22)
Saul was doing what he thinks is good. Saul rationalized that even though God commanded to destory everything, the plunder they brought would still be acceptable as it will still be offered to God. He failed to obey what exactly God wants him to do. This failure led him to be rejected as King.


In the same way, we can be very busy at ministering, helping the sick, donating to charities and doing "good" based on our understanding but not actually obeying God's will for our lives.


Let's seek God's will in our lives during our time alone with Him and assuredly He'll direct you to what He wants to do in a clear manner and know that His will is good, perfect and pleasing for you.(Romans 12:2) And If you seek him, you will find him(Jer. 29:13)


God Bless you!