We live in a world addicted to grand gestures. Social media loves it — the dramatic donation, the public apology, the grand act of kindness. But behind the spotlight, it’s the small, quiet choices that matter most. The truth is: obedience doesn’t trend, it transforms.
So, imagine that a young man saves for months to buy his mother a beautiful gift. But when he gives it to her, she smiles and says, ‘What I really wanted was for you to spend time with me.’ He gave her something costly, but he missed the one thing her heart longed for. Isn’t that how we can be with God sometimes?”
1 Samuel 15:22 But Samuel answered, “Which pleases the LORD more: burnt offerings and sacrifices or obeying his commands? It is better to obey the LORD than to offer sacrifices to him. It is better to listen to him than to offer the fat from rams.”
Samuel spoke those words to King Saul of Israel after he’d disobeyed God. Well, Saul had partially obeyed, but in the end partial obedience is still disobedience.
It’s so easy to go through the motions, sing songs, lift your hands in worship, drop cash into the offering … and yet, for our hearts still not to be truly “all in”. And how can you tell if you’re all in? By what you do, by how you live your life.
Sacrifices cost you things. Obedience costs you your life.
It is better to obey the LORD than to offer sacrifices to him. It is better to listen to him than to offer the fat from rams.
In truth, obedience is the highest form of worship.
That’s God’s Word. Fresh … for you … today.
