God'S Estimate Of Obedience

Arthur Pink, 1935

"Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams" (1 Sam. 15:22). Two things are here placed in opposition —worshiping God and obeying God. Which of the two does He esteem more highly, with which is He most pleased? A Divine answer has been given to this question—God values obedience more than anything else we can offer Him. Do we really believe this? Do we act as though we did! Ah, my reader, it is not a reverent deportment, a devout posture, beautiful words, liberal contributions, which the Lord requires first from us. All of these things are worthless in His sight, yes, unacceptable to Him—unless they be preceded by a definite determination and a sincere and prayerful effort—to walk in obedience to His commands. We are but mocking God to come before Him as devout worshipers on Sunday, if the remainder of the week we disregard His statutes and precepts. Observe carefully that the Lord gave His Law to Israel (Exo. 20) before He gave them instructions to build the tabernacle (Exo. 25-31). Lawless worshipers are an offence to Him. The will must be brought into subjection unto God—before the heart can worship Him acceptably. Beg Him to work in you the spirit of obedience.