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.
Religious activities are not the end in themselves—they are supposed to lead us to God. Yet, like the people in Samuel’s day, we can use religious activity to hide from the life that God is offering! Christ has risen and sent His spirit so that we can experience His life. So don’t settle for a set of duties that dull us to the reality of His presence. Learn to listen to the Scripture instead of just read it. Learn to quiet yourself in prayer. God IS speaking. The real question is: are we able to hear? ~ Dave Whitehead, Senior Pastor, GraceNYC.org
