Obedience vs. Sacrifice

"Obedience is better than sacrifice" If you grew up in church, there is no doubt that you have heard this phrase before.  The problem is that most people use this scripture to warn you; if you are not obedient you will have to sacrifice something, so obedience is the better way to go.  In reading in Samuel 15, you find the scripture had a very different meaning. In Samuel, King Saul had a very specific, direct order from God.  He was to destroy the Amalekites until everything was consumed.  He was to destroy everything, animals, property, etc, until there was nothing left.  King Saul with seemingly good intentions, decided to keep the "best" of the animals and property and use them to present a sacrifice to the Lord.  His disobeyed, listening to those around him, thinking that his good intentions of a sacrifice would be pleasing to God.  Samuel then said, "Obedience is better than sacrifice." He rebelled with good intentions to do something, despite the instructions given, he did not obey, but instead went with his own plan.  How is this relevant to us today? We often think of things that sound like a good idea, may be filled with good intent and purpose, or we allow people to be in our ear but those plans really don't line up with the instructions for our life God has directed. 

Just because it is a good plan, maybe even a great plan doesn't mean it is a God plan.