p. 613 | Obedience by S. K. Gibson

International Tract and Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Oct 16, 1884

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 10, No. 39.

Obedience.

By S. K. Gibson

OBEDIENCE is better than sacrifice. Why is it better? Because true obedience to God leads to true sacrifices to God, and the only ones that are acceptable to him.

All sacrifice that is not done through obedience to God, is vain and selfish. Saul, in direct disobedience to God, saved out the best of the flock, as he claimed, to offer sacrifice to God. But Saul was condemned for the act, although it had some appearance of virtue in it. He sinned because he disobeyed God's strict command.

We learn by this, and other lessons in God's word, that our first duty is to acquaint ourselves with God's holy will, to be sure that we understand him, and then obey strictly. We are not to consult our own feelings, or reason from a human stand-point, for we may be deceived. "His thoughts are not as our thoughts, nor our ways as his ways." His thoughts and ways are as high as heaven above ours; ours are of the earth earthy, his of Heaven and holy! To obey him is to do his will in all his requirements, which are holy, just, and good.

Obedience to holy laws and regulations, rules and requirements, produces as results holiness of heart, of purpose, and of life. This, of course, involves our love to God, and thereby to his word, which must and will claim our reverence, affection, and tender regard. Obedience implies lively thoughts, emotions, and joy of faith and hope in God, in his word and promises; to do his will, and wait and watch and pray until he comes.—S. K. Gibson, in Crisis.