“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)”.

What is God asking you to obey that disobedience would be sacrifice?

Saul was given specific instructions about attacking and destroying the Amalekites and all they had, but Saul spared some of the livestock and king Agag (15:1-10). Sometimes when God gives us specific instructions we assume we can obey how we want and that there will be no consequences. The truth is God’s instructions are not optional they are commanded to be followed exactly the way they are given.

Saul’s consequence was that he lost the right to be king over Israel. God gives us instructions to bring about an expected end. When we choose to disobey we will have similar consequences. In my life, God has given me specific instructions when I have obeyed things worked out in a blessed way.

When I have been disobedient I have suffered hard consequences. It is important for many of us to realize we could be delaying a blessing or changing the course of God’s plan for our lives because we have an “I am going to do it my way” attitude.

God is sovereign He is not trying to control our lives but He does want to give us an abundant life filled with promise. When we commit to a relationship with God we are asking for His wisdom and will into our lives for our benefit. God is Sovereign because every time we disobey we may face challenges but the redeemer that died for you and I still redeems.

Saul admitted he had sinned when he realized how wrong it was to disobey God’s command but it was too late the damage was already done (1 Samuel 15:24). God may be calling you to obey him about your finances, your business, marriage, children, or lifestyle.

Obedience is better than sacrifice. Obeying God is far better than sacrificing anything we have worked hard to have or sustain.

Example from my own life:

I prayed for instructions on how to spend some income and God specifically told me to tithe ten percent and put a large amount on a car loan. At first, I was hesitant because it was going to take away over half of the income but I was obedient. Later God said, “I need you to pay off your car before you move”. Once my car was paid off I moved into my new apartment. I look back and had I been disobedient and done what I wanted to do with those funds my car may not have been paid off. My move may have been delayed or not happened.

Obedience to God is freedom and liberty.