1 Samuel 15:22-23 “Has the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to listen than the fat of rams. For rebellion is as the sin of divination, and presumption is as iniquity and idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the LORD, he has also rejected you from being king.”

Sacrifice always involves the choice of the person who makes the sacrifice. Obedience involves not only doing what we have heard God tell us to do; but doing it with a good attitude. Obeying with joy, even when we do not understand, is true obedience.