There is a song by King Sunny Ade that warns the son of a hunter to take heed and not walk carelessly or in disobedience during days of darkness and danger. The lyrics emphasize the timeless truth that obedience is better than sacrifice (1 Samuel 15:22).
This prompts a critical question: Are we walking in obedience, disobedience, or rebellion against God’s Word, which never fails? This is a question no one else can answer for us—only we can. Are we honest and sincere in our relationship with God, or are we hypocritical, hearing the Word of God but refusing to believe it fully? Do we waver between faith and unbelief?
When we don’t understand, do we trust God and place our complete confidence in Him, knowing He has control over everything? Or do we, in pride, question Him, refusing to take Him at His Word? Jesus invites us to lay our heavy burdens on Him, promising His yoke is easy and His burden is light (Matthew 11:28–30). Are we walking humbly beside Him, holding on to His hand in faith, and allowing His Spirit to teach us to walk in the light of His Word?
As it is written: “To obey is better than sacrifice” (1 Samuel 15:22). God’s Word is a warning to us, and there is great reward in obedience (Psalm 19:11). The Bible declares: “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105). We must let the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of Truth, guide us to gain understanding and spiritual insight as we meditate on His Word daily and put it into practice (John 16:13).
Let us learn from the Israelites during the Babylonian exile. Although they sent messengers to inquire of the Lord through Ezekiel, they did not put God’s Word into practice. Instead, they treated His words as a beautiful song by a skilled singer while continuing in wickedness and rebellion (Ezekiel 33:30–32). God warned that such disobedience would result in judgment—they would be cast out of His presence and pursued by the sword into distant nations.
Today, we too have the teachings of the prophets, apostles, and Jesus Christ, our Lord and Saviour, warning us to repent and turn to God. God’s Word, which is sharper than any two-edged sword, pierces to the division of soul and spirit and judges the thoughts and intentions of the heart (Hebrews 4:12). Do we take heed of these warnings? Do we let His Word transform our hearts and lives, helping us discern His good, pleasing, and perfect will (Romans 12:2)
The choice is ours. Do we believe in the Son of God, who was sent as an atoning sacrifice for our sins (1 John 4:10), and receive His free gift of eternal life by grace (Ephesians 2:8–9)? Or do we reject Him and cling to self-righteousness, which cannot save us?
As it is written: “In returning to me and resting, you shall be saved; in quietness and trust shall be your strength” (Isaiah 30:15). Let us examine ourselves and choose obedience today, for today is the day the Lord has made (Psalm 118:24).