For many, the idea and even the word obedience puts a negative taste in their mouth. Our flesh doesn’t want to be subjected to anyone else’s rules. While we might be able to swallow the rules needed to keep society from spinning into chaos, we bristle at authority that seeks to interfere with our personal preferences.
However, if you’ve been a follower of Jesus for any time at all, you know there’s a resounding call for us to obey Jesus and to let Him be the leader of our lives: “If you love me, you will obey my commandments.” (John 14:15)
When we truly come to faith in Jesus, we have a desire to follow Him out of love for Him and it’s good. Real good. Over time, however, we can allow our sin nature to creep in and we can begin to finagle and rationalize our way out of obeying what Jesus said.
To compensate for the reality of our disobedience, we begin to point to all that we’ve done for God or all that we’ve given up for him. We want Him to take note of our sacrifice. But, listen to the Prophet Samuel as he corrects King Saul when Saul tried to cover up his disobedience with sacrifices:
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.” (1 Samuel 15:22 ESV)
There it is. “To obey is better than sacrifice.”
It matters little “all” that we do or don’t do in sacrifice for God if we’re not obeying Him. Sacrifice without obedience is useless. There are no needed additives or preservatives to Jesus’ commands. He just lovingly asks us to obey; knowing his commands are always best.
Can I encourage you to spend some time opening your heart before God and asking Him to point out what you’ve been adding that He’s not asked of you? Then take some time to hear His voice on what He’s commanded you to do that you’ve been putting off, avoiding, or just plain ignoring. Embrace what He’s saying, decide to obey, and act on that commitment out of love for Him.
Amen to this word! Our obedience is the evidence of our love and commitment towards God. "If you love me, keep my commandments."