“Samuel said, “Has the LORD as great a delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices As in obedience to the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, And to heed [is better] than the fat of rams. 23“For rebellion is as [serious as] the sin of divination (fortune-telling), And disobedience is as [serious as] false religion and idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the LORD, He also has rejected you as king.” 1 Samuel 15:22-23 AM

One of the areas that we struggle with the most in our new life is obedience! The dictionary defiance it as “compliance with an order, request, or law or submission to another’s authority. One author describes obedience as “a form of social influence influencing actions a person would not have taken unless directed to do so by someone of influence of authority.” Immediately you can see the danger and benefit of such actions. We hear the term “influencer” now as adays and it could not be a better word to choose to describe the activity they are involved with in our society. The question that needs asks is “Are they are an influence for righteousness or unrighteousness?” We see both types revealed to us in the Word. Paul warned about unrighteous influences writing,

“Although they know God’s righteous decree and His judgment, that those who do such things deserve death, yet they not only do them, but they even [enthusiastically] approve and tolerate others who practice them.” Romans 1:32 AMP

Remember our definitions of obedience? Following the influence of another and doing that which one would not normally do! WOW! I can’t think of a better description of our current world. We see every day the results of the obedience to evil! However, there is another source of influence…God’s Word! The Apostle Paul wrote to the church at Rome the following.

“And do not be conformed to this world [any longer with its superficial values and customs], but be transformed and progressively changed [as you mature spiritually] by the renewing of your mind [focusing on godly values and ethical attitudes], so that you may prove [for yourselves] what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect [in His plan and purpose for you].” Romans 12:2 AMP

Pretty straightforward right? “DO NOT BE CONFORMED!” The answer to the problem is “renewing your mind.” That process is accomplished daily as we “wash” our minds from the evil influences and temptations we face each and every day. Obedience starts in the mind first. We know in our hearts what is good and acceptable, but our carnal nature begins to rationalize out disobedience. In our opening verse the King was commanded not to take any spoil. Instead, he chose to keep the choicest of the flocks reasoning that surely it would be a waste of resource and that god would understand! “But Lord, I thought You would reward me!” The book of Psalms gives us the pathway to obedience.

“Blessed [fortunate, prosperous, and favored by God] is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked [following their advice and example], Nor stand in the path of sinners, Nor sit [down to rest] in the seat of scoffers (ridiculers).2But his delight is in the law of the LORD, And on His law [His precepts and teachings] he [habitually] meditates day and night. 3And he will be like a tree firmly planted [and fed] by streams of water, Which yields its fruit in its season; Its leaf does not wither; And in whatever he does, he prospers [and comes to maturity].” Psalms 1:1-2 AMP

Yes there is forgiveness for our sin when we “miss the mark.” Yes God’s love covers a multitude of sin. However, the believer is called to obedience and conformity to the image of Christ in their lives! Remember, to obey is better than sacrifice!

Power Prayer for Promise – Obedience

Father, today I commit to walk in obedience and not reject the direction of Your Word that I may continue to receive from the throne of Your mercy. (1 Samuel 15:22-23) I refuse to be influenced or misled by the voices of today that lead to disobedience, destruction, and are deserving of death. (Romans 1:32) Because Your ways have fallen in a pleasant place in my life, I will bless You who have counseled me even in the night for I have continually set Your Word before me and I will not be shaken. (Psalms 16:6-8) I am blessed, fortunate, prosperous, and favored by You and will not walk in the ways of the ungodly but meditate day and night on Your precepts and everything You have called me to will succeed! (Psalms 1:1-2) In Jesus name…AMEN!