From Bishop Jemmott’s book Words of Encouragement: Book One

      Obedience is yielding to explicit instructions or orders from an authority figure. Obedience is generally distinguished from compliance, which is behavior influenced by peers, and from conformity, which is behavior intended to match that of the majority. Following instruction from an authority figure seems to be open to interpretation in this modern day society. Children make choices today whether or not to obey the instructions of their parents or teachers, yet these same children want to enjoy the benefits of living in the homes of the parent. My grandfather used to say to us, “You live in my house, you follow my rules!”

      The body of Christ has also been affected by this attitude, this failure to obey the rules. Many believers believe that if they pray, read their Bibles and go to church, they will draw closer to God. While the practice of reading, praying and attending church is important, it will do you no good until you learn how to obey. Unless you’re reading, praying and attending church is accompanied by obedience; you are wasting your time. Only total obedience brings you intimacy with God.

      The Israelites rigorously practiced spiritual discipline. They fasted, read the Word, worshiped in the Temple and sought the presence of the Lord. But God told them, in Isaiah 58, that He had another kind of fasting in mind. They needed to follow the spiritual discipline of obedience. Remember Samuel’s words to King Saul:

“But Samuel replied, ‘What is more pleasing to the Lord: your burnt offerings and sacrifices or your obedience to his voice? Listen! Obedience is better than sacrifice, and submission is better than offering the fat of rams.'”
1 Samuel 15:22 (NLT)

      Obedience is better than sacrifice!

Be Blessed,

Bishop Jemmott