TO OBEY IS BETTER THAN SACRIFICES

 

EVENING DEVOTION by James Smith

JULY 30

 

1 Samuel 15:22

Behold, to obey is better than sacrifices,

and to hearken than the fat of rams.

 
We are prone to attach too much importance to ceremonies.
 
Israel did so.
 
Thousands do so now to a very fearful extent.
 
But obedience to moral precepts, out of love to God, while depending for life and peace on the finished work of Christ alone, is what pleases God.
 
To obey is better than to sacrifice.
 
The obedience intended, requires the surrender of the judgment—the acquiescence of the conscience—the concurrence of the will—and the submission of the whole man to the authority of God.
 
Such obedience pleases God better than any sacrifice which we can offer, because it is an acknowledgement of his wisdom and goodness in requiring, and it is a hearty compliance with his will.
 
But in order to our obedience being thus acceptable, it must be scriptural—sincere—humble—uniform—and constant.
 
Then it is better than any gifts which we can present, than any sufferings we can endure.
 
We must obey God as a Sovereign, while we love him as a Father.
 
Our obedience must be that of children, of children living under the smile of a father’s love.
 
Our obedience is not to be considered a price paid for blessings; but as the proof of love.
 

My God, with heavenly wisdom bless,

And teach me how thyself to please:

Work in me both to will and do

That I thy glory may pursue.

 
James Smith