It's Better to Obey

I've been reading  1 Samuel lately and I've been thinking about a story told in the 14th and 15th chapters. Even after God had given Saul a new heart, King Saul soon disobeyed God, and he did it under the guise of being sacrificial. His offerings and sacrifices were not acceptable to the Lord because his disobedience overshadowed his efforts. Samuel reminded Saul that without obedience his pretentious acts meant nothing. (But Samuel replied: “Does the Lord delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the Lord? To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams” 1 Samuel 15:22.)

There are many today in the church who have a similar mindset to that of King Saul’s. They seem to think that if the give enough, work hard, sing loud enough, then God will be pleased. It's all in an effort to try to "win God's favor" or get on His good side. But God desires a heart completely devoted to Him. The fact of the matter is, it is impossible to love God and continue to walk in disobedience. His requirements are not like those of a cruel taskmaster. Instead of making unreasonable demands, He gives us the power to be wholeheartedly devoted to Him. Obedience is foundational. He is our loving Father, and as His children we must listen to Him with attentive ears and pure hearts. Then God will be pleased with our offerings and sacrifices.