To obey is better than sacrifice

"To obey is better than sacrifice"- That is exactly what Samuel told King Saul in 1 Samuel 15:22. King Saul was given a clear instruction through Prophet Samuel to destroy the Amalekites and EVERTHING that belong to them. This was because of what they have done to the people of Israel years before, when they came out from Egypt.

But King Saul decided to spare Agag and some of the livestock belongs to the Amalekites. Saul deliberately put his own agendas ahead of God's plan. When Prophet Samuel questioned King Saul on this, King Saul tried to cover up his action by offering "godly" reason for his actions. He hadn't done what God told him, and yet he tries to portray himself so wonderfully.

We may fall into the same trap as King Saul by putting our own personal agenda above God's plan and desire upon our lives. We too may use "godly lingo" to give the impression that we are more spiritual than we really are. Like Saul, sometimes we attempt to turn our disobedience into religious service. Sacrifice without obedience is simply an outward performance of a religious duty or act.

I wonder how often we put priority on things or noble causes in place of the most important things in life. How many of us sacrifice our families for our jobs or our congregations or our ministry for example. We fill our lives doing "good things," but they are not God's things. Prophet Samuel gave a good insight into one of God's desire for our lives. Our God prefers obedience more than sacrifice. I believe when we obey Him with all our heart, our sacrifices to Him will be authentic in nature and will flow naturally.

It is us that God wants, not our sacrifices.

Be Blessed