Why haven’t you obeyed the LORD? Why did you rush for the plunder and do exactly what the LORD said not to do?” “But I did obey the LORD,” Saul insisted. “I carried out the mission he gave me. I brought back King Agag, but I destroyed everyone else. Then my troops brought in the best of the sheep and cattle and plunder to sacrifice to the LORD your God in Gilgal.” But Samuel replied, “What is more pleasing to the LORD: your burnt offerings and sacrifices or your obedience to his voice? Obedience is far better than sacrifice. Listening to him is much better than offering the fat of rams. (1 Sam 15:19-22 NLT)

Prayer: LORD, help me to be responsive and obedient to Your instruction and uncompromising in faithfulness in our relationship. Nothing justifies compromise regardless of what I could accomplish, give, or sacrifice. Regardless of the temptation, help me never fall into the deception of believing, as did Saul, that the end justifies the means. There is no justification for disobedience or unfaithfulness. In Jesus’ name, Amen.