Obedience Is an Act of Worship

By Pastor George Kingsley Judah

King Saul greeted the prophet Samuel with confidence: “Blessed are you of the LORD! I have performed the commandment of the LORD.” — 1 Samuel 15:13. It sounded like the declaration of an obedient king. But Samuel heard something that told a different story: sheep were bleating and cattle were lowing.

God had given Saul specific instructions, but Saul had preserved what he considered valuable. When Samuel confronted him, Saul offered what sounded like a spiritual explanation: the animals had been kept “to sacrifice to the LORD your God.” Samuel answered: “Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice.” — 1 Samuel 15:22. Saul had an offering. God wanted obedience.

Saul’s mistake reveals a danger that extends far beyond his story. It is possible to offer God something religious while resisting what He has actually asked of us. We can sing, pray, give, serve, attend church, participate in ministry, and teach others. Yet none of these activities should become substitutes for obedience.

Partial obedience is especially deceptive. Saul had done some of what God commanded, making it easier to describe himself as obedient. We may follow God’s Word in areas that agree with our preferences while retaining control over those that do not. Obedience does not mean following God only until His will conflicts with ours.