When the first king of Israel, Saul, won a great military victory over the nation's enemies, he and the people decided to celebrate by sparing the best of the livestock in order to sacrifice to the Lord. The only problem with this highly reasonable plan was that Saul had been instructed by the prophet Samuel to utterly destroy everything belonging to the enemy. So Saul's action, though justified by a desire to honor God, was disobedient.

God would have none of it. "Has the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Surely, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed than the fat of rams." (I Samuel 15:22a)

How we delight in trying to please God in ways of our own making. Logic may lead us to do so, or emotions, or circumstances.

• We may send our money as an offering, but fail to obey the exhortation to present ourselves as a living sacrifice.
• We may keep strict rules of morality, but refuse the commission to go to all people with the good news.
• We may fill our days with meaningful work and activities in the Lord's name, but overlook the command to keep the sabbath.