But Samuel replied: “Does the LORD delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the LORD? To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams. For rebellion is like the sin of divination, and arrogance like the evil of idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the LORD, he has rejected you as king.” 1 Sa 15:22–23
When I worked in the interior design industry, my boss often preferred assigning tasks to another employee rather than to me. It wasn’t because that employee had more experience or performed better than I did, so at the time, I felt hurt by it. However, after receiving guidance through the word of God, I came to better understand my boss’s feelings. From the boss’s perspective, who were overseeing the entire workflow and giving instructions, it was probably much easier to trust an employee who readily followed directions than someone like me, who constantly insisted on my own opinions.
If obedience is important even at a small construction site, how much more important is it in the work of God’s redemption? If we stiffen our necks and raise our voices without understanding the will of God, who sees far into the future, we may find ourselves, like Saul, disqualified from being chosen, no matter how high our position may seem. Reflecting on this, I am reminded once again of the will of our Heavenly Father and Heavenly Mother, who always teach us to obey with a humble heart.