Obedience is Better than Sacrifice

 

“Obedience is better than sacrifice." 1 Samuel 15:22 

Saul was tall, handsome, charismatic and anointed by God to lead his chosen people. He began well but ended by committing suicide. Obviously it is not enough to be chosen by God, to be given His Spirit, His seal of approval. What went wrong?

First Saul was impatient, he did not wait for God to tell him what to do through His prophet Samuel. Then he blamed others for his mistakes, not learning from them. Then he became arrogant, acting as if he did not need God. Finally he blatantly disobeyed God's commands. So I have to watch out for my impatience, even the little ones, like when I am unkind to people who make cold calls, who bother me when I am busy, or to sales people who take too long doing their job, or with people who do not understand my instructions. 

Unkindness, impatience are little things but lead to bigger things like arrogance, rebellion and disobedience. These bring us farther and farther away from God! That's what I've learned from poor Saul who was so blessed when he was young! 

Samuel the prophet told Saul that obedience was better than sacrifice after Saul blatantly disobeyed God's order to destroy ALL of the Amalekites. But Saul kept the best of the sheep and oxen to sacrifice to God.

Sometimes we may have good intentions, but if we do not take the time to  read God's letter to us, the Bible, if we don't take time to pray and to listen to Him, how can we obey?