Choose to Obey

1 Samuel 15:22 "And 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 listen than the fat of rams."

It’s easy to get so focused on the outcome that obedience becomes secondary. Too often I get caught up in what I want. I pray about it. I align it with what I think is God’s plan for me. I even find a verse to support it. In the process I can forget all about obedience. I start to mumble and complain. When God delays I numb my frustration with what I know better than wasting my time on. 

I get so hung up on the outcome that I lose sight of obedience. Saul learned it the hard way in 1 Samuel 15:22. He thought he could do what he wanted and appease God with an offering. But God is clear about what HE loves. God is more interested in our obedience than he is with the sacrifices we make in an attempt to impress or appease him. God sees in our obedience a submission to His will, a trust in His love, a willingness to wait. 

Are you so hung up on the outcome that you’re cutting some corners in your walk with God? Have you given in to old addictions, or found comfort where you shouldn’t, or are you choosing to obey no matter what? 

Obedience glorifies God, especially when the outcome isn’t clear. Obedience says yes when it feels like saying no, simply because of who God is.

Questions: 

What are some areas in your life you’ve been compromising in? Where do you need to trust God and obey Him more?