“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.” — 1 Samuel 15:22
>> Sign up here for Sports Spectrum devotionals sent right to your email inbox <<
At the end of the day, win or lose, we must remember that God is more concerned with who we are becoming than what we are accomplishing. The only way to become the person God desires is to honor and obey Him. Listen to the words of King Solomon of Israel, one of the wisest and wealthiest men in history: “Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind” (Ecclesiastes 12:13).
The Lord cares more about your obedience than your lip service. King Saul thought God would be impressed with his sacrifices and overlook his disobedience. But the prophet Samuel told Saul, “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” (1 Samuel 15:22).
Ritual without repentance doesn’t move God one bit. David learned this lesson. He wrote, “You do not delight in sacrifice, or I would bring it; you do not take pleasure in burnt offerings. My sacrifice, O God, is a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart you, God, will not despise” (Psalm 51:16-17).
The Lord is more interested in your righteousness than your rituals. He’s more interested in a relationship with you through Christ than any “religious activity.” He has given you His heart. He wants yours in return!
— Jerry Birch, Cleveland Cavaliers chaplain
If you would like to submit a devotional, please email all submissions to
devotionals@sportsspectrum.com.
Click here for all Sports Spectrum Daily Devotionals
>> Purchase “The Increase 52 Week Devotional” to further grow your relationship with Christ <<
>> Dive more into God’s Word with Sports Spectrum through the YouVersion Bible App <<
