To obey is better than sacrifice

“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 15v22

Saul had been caught out in his lie to Samuel. First he tried to pass the blame off on to the people who demanded that they preserve the livestock. When then did not work he reminded Samuel that after all, he had done the spiritual thing by offering a sacrifice.

Samuel made something very clear – God does not delight in sacrifices and religious practices as much as He does in simple obedience. We can get so caught up in religious activities, going to church, and trying to act spiritual that some times we just forget to obey.

There is nothing that delights God more than our simple obedience. God loves simple, plain, practical obedience. He hates disobedience and rebellion, even likening it to witchcraft in verse 23.

Obedience is the very best way to show that we believe.