And Samuel said, Hath 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 hearken than the fat of rams. 1 Samuel 15:22 KJV
I have often heard people recount the many sacrifices they believe they have made in their service of God as if that allowed them special privileges in a matter of sin. This verse is an appropriate response to such reasoning. It was the response of Samuel to Saul when Saul disobeyed the Word of God and then tried to pass it off as a sacrifice for God. However, God is not as impressed with our sacrifices as we are; instead obedience to His Word is what gets His attention. A person can make a lifetime of sacrifices in the name of God. But if they never obey God in the simplest matters of faith, what good will any of those sacrifices accomplish in their relationship with Him: none. To obey is better than sacrifice.
Lord, I sometimes find myself thinking about sacrifices I believe I have made in my service to You. What foolish thinking! No amount of sacrifice can match the sacrifice You have made for me. Help me to always put obedience first in my relationship with You.
