Obey God!

God wants us to do many things as followers of Him. If we can get the basics down the rest will fall into place out of pure worship and love for Him. Let's look at a few commands from scripture:



1 Samuel 15:22



22 So Samuel said: “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.



First, God wants us to obey. Just like any good Father, He desires us to obey Him out of respect but also because He knows best! He knows what will fill our souls with peace and joy. When we obey Him in all areas, we live as He has designed us too! Notice He did not say not to sacrifice because he has great delight in that but obeying was first priority!



Hosea 6:6

6 For I desire mercy and not sacrifice,And the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings.



Second, we see God wants us to be merciful. If we are true followers of God we will show mercy, as God has given us the example by the mercy He shows us daily! Again we see here, God would rather see mercy that sacrifice, but he does enjoy sacrifice!



Third, we see God wants us to know Him! How do we do that? Bible study, preaching and prayer. Are you faithful in these three areas? God's desire is for us to have knowledge of Him not just a vague understanding but a deep personal knowledge. Then once again we see God tell us he desires us to know Him more than a burnt sacrifice. You see if an old testament saint knew God deeply, the sacrifices would be done out of their deep love for God!



Mark 12:33

33 And to love Him with all the heart, with all the understanding, with all the soul, and with all the strength, and to love one’s neighbor as oneself, is more than all the whole burnt offerings and sacrifices.”



Fourth, loving God with all our heart, understanding (mind), soul, and strength is desired by God for our lives! This is the greatest commandment! God desires this more than offerings and sacrifices!



Fifth, loving our neighbor as ourselves is the second greatest commandment. God wants us to love others as he loves us!



So the question is are we obeying what God wants in our lives as children of His? Obeying God should be the highest priority in our life! When we do, all others areas such as serving and sacrificing time and energy will be no problem, it will be a pleasure!



Tom