Obedience to His Word, February 14

Samuel said, Hath the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams. 1 Samuel 15:22.RRe 47.1

Burnt offerings and sacrifices were not acceptable to God in ancient times, unless the spirit was right with which the gift was offered. Samuel said, “Hath the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and hearken than the fat of rams.” All the money on earth cannot buy the blessing of God, nor insure you a single victory. Many would make any and every sacrifice but the very one they should make, which is to yield themselves, to submit their wills to the will of God.—Testimonies for the Church 4:84.RRe 47.2

“To obey is better than sacrifice.” And without obedience and unselfish love, the richest offerings are too meager to be presented to the Possessor of all things.—Testimonies for the Church 3:57.RRe 47.3

God has commanded nothing that is unessential, and there is no other way of manifesting reverence so pleasing to Him as by obedience to that which He has spoken.—Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students, 111.RRe 47.4