God Wants Obedience

What pleases the Lord more: burnt offerings and sacrifices or obedience (listening) to His voice? It is better to obey (listen) than to sacrifice. It is better to listen (and submit) to God than to offer the fat of sheep. Disobedience (or rebellion) is as bad as the sin of sorcery. Pride (or stubbornness) is as bad as the sin of worshiping idols. 1 Samuel 15:22-23 (NCV).

The Lord God wants total obedience, allegiance and commitment from all people (see e.g., Psalms 40:6-8; Psalm 51:16,17; Proverbs 21:3; Isaiah 1:11-17; Jeremiah 7:21-23; Hosea 6:6; Micah 6:6-8; Matthew 12:7; Mark 12:33; Hebrews 10:8-9). The living God requires His people to obey His Word found in the Holy Bible and to sincerely worship Him as God. 

Besides, God rewards obedience and faithfulness with His blessings (see Deuteronomy 6:1-25; Deuteronomy 11:26-28; Psalm 115:13; Isaiah 30:19-26; 1 Peter 3:9). Obedience and faithfulness to God brings blessings (see Leviticus 26:3-13; Deuteronomy 6:4-11; Deuteronomy 28:1-14), Throughout Old Testament, King David’s faithfulness for God is held up as the model for godly obedience for everyone to follow (1 Samuel 13:14; Acts 13:22; see also 1 Kings 14:8). Even more, the Lord Jesus Christ was obedient in all things (Philippians 2:8; Hebrews 5:8; Hebrews 10:5-7).

Nevertheless, disobedience and unfaithfulness to God leads to His punishment, conviction, and judgment (see Leviticus 26:14-39; Numbers 20:12-13; Deuteronomy 28:15-68; 1 Samuel 13:13-14; 1 Samuel 15:13-23). For example, disobedience to God caused the northern kingdom (Israel) to fell, suffer drought (1 Kings 17:1-7), famine (1 Kings 17:12; 18:2), and war (1 Kings 14:30; 1 Kings 15:6-7, 16, 32; 1 Kings 20:1-34; 1 Kings 22:29-36).

God blesses those who have humble, obedient, faithful and repentant hearts (1 Chronicles 29:10-20). The right heart attitude that seeks the Lord God in prayer brings His blessings (1 Corinthians 11:27-32). God is always willing to forgive and heal those who repent. Repentance brings God’s restoration, healing and reconciliation. People who seek and follow Jesus Christ’s obedient example (Philippians 2:12-13) and King David’s obedient example can anticipate God’s fullest and riches blessings (2 Timothy 4:7-8; 1 John 2:24).