Obedience

This week, I’ve been reminded of a profound truth that I now see clearly—obedience is better than sacrifice. I’ve searched the Scriptures, and time and again, I’m shown that without obedience, even our greatest offerings are meaningless. As 1 Samuel 15:22 says, "To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams."

Our prayers, our worship, even our giving, are all secondary to the call to follow God's commandments. Jesus said in John 14:15, “If you love me, keep my commandments.” It is through obedience that we truly honor Him who made the heavens and the earth.

We long for blessings, we seek the power of the Holy Spirit, yet God’s demand is simple: that we obey. What could be more precious than the Holy Spirit? Yet, to receive this gift, we are called to live in submission to God’s will.

Think of the things we often chase and take pride in: success in prayer, giving tithes, worship, attending church, even building churches. Yet none of these hold value unless they are grounded in obedience. Jesus himself declared, "Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven" (Matthew 7:21).

When we keep God's commandments, everything else falls into place. As Jesus taught in Matthew 6:33, "Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." We should remember that our obedience aligns us with God's purpose, securing a place in His eternal kingdom.

So, let us not be distracted by worldly pursuits or hollow rituals. Instead, let us return to the heart of the matter—obedience. Chase after God’s will, for it is through this path that we truly honor Him and find our ultimate fulfillment.

Obedience is one of the hardest challenges we face because it conflicts with our natural, fleshly desires. Our instincts often push us toward satisfying the cravings of the flesh, but obeying God requires us to deny those urges and walk the disciplined, narrow road He has set before us. It's not a walk in the park, I struggle too as the word inflicts pain on me.

Truth is, we can chase all these things of the world and ignore God's word and in the end we will still never find fulfillment. Genuine fulfillment is only found In serving God. 

Remember that God doesnt always immediately bless obedience. Therefore we need to exercise patience as we continue to work on ourselves. 

Let us not lose heart, for the Lord fully understands the challenges we face. We must continue to pursue what is right, and God will provide us with the strength we need. There is great beauty in serving Him, and immense reward in being obedient. As Scripture reminds us, "But the one who endures to the end, the same shall be saved."