To Obey is Better than Sacrifice

The problem with modern evangelical Christians is the emphasis on a person's 'service' over 'obedience'. There are many professing Christians who are so eager to be in the limelight in singing, music, teaching & other 'works of services', but neglecting the more important things like being the 'salt of the earth & light of the world' (Matthew 5:13-14) at home, at work, at school & at leisure.

A person's Christianity has nothing to do with how much a person serves in the local church but how much change the Lord has done by grace through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. This warning is given by Christ in Matthew 7:21-23 - "Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord,' shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. Many will say to Me in that day, 'Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?' And then I will declare to them, 'I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!'"

Yes, there will be many on that Day who will claim zeal in all the external works but the declaration by Christ is - not only I never knew you, but you who practice 'LAWLESSNESS'.

Sadly, many believe that being a Christian is freedom to do as they like. This attitude is not found in the Bible at all. It was the attitude of the pagans. Instead the Christian believes what is written in 1 John 5:3 - "For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome" and in Romans 6:18 - "And having been set free from sin, you became slaves of righteousness".

Probably, the main reason why they like to do so is because 'external services' are easier to 'manage and control', but not their attitude and heart. The cry of the Christian should always be "Create in me a clean heart, O God, And renew a steadfast spirit within me" (Psalms 51:10). Life experiences have shown how many so called 'zealous Christians' are so good at being at the limelight but at home, they have not even attempted to obey the 5th commandment - "Honour your father and your mother" (Exodus 20:12).

Why are so many continuing with 'service' over 'obedience'? Because to believe otherwise is INCONVENIENT.

It is something that is impossible for the wretched sinner whose works of righteousness are like filthy rags. And that is right - for salvation is wholly by God's Grace upon unworthy, destitute sinners.

"Has 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 heed than the fat of rams" - 1 Samuel 15:22