Week 34
Obedience
Does the Lord delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the Lord?
To obey is better than sacrifice,
1 Samuel 15:22
A church member told me, “If you ask me for a donation, I can donate. If you ask me to clean the church, I can do the cleaning. But if you ask me to Bible study, I can’t do it.” God desires our obedience of His word more than our sacrifices. To obey His word, we need to study the scripture. Even we as parents want our kids to obey us. My son drew a picture as a gift for Mother’s Day. I was happy to receive his picture, but what would bring me more joy is if he listens daily to my instructions. Our offerings and efforts we give to God are good. But God really wants our obedience the most. Let us ask ourselves a few questions to examine our obedience. Do I love God and obey His commandment? (John 14:210). Do I love God by loving our not-so-nice neighbors? (Leviticus 19:18). Do I open the door of my heart that God has been knocking on to let Him in and eat with Him? (Revelation 3:20). Do I share the gospel with unbelievers? (Mark 16:15). Obedience is not what we do for God. Obedience is what we let God do in our lives according to His will.
God, change our hearts so we will prioritize our obedience over our sacrifices You might not even find delightful. We pray in Jesus’ Name. Amen.