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… 1 Samuel 15:22
We are all gifted with talents and various abilities given by God. And there are some whose talents are recognized, lifted, and praised, more than others. Throughout the Bible, God is not pleased when we use our gifts and talents seeking to point the light or recognition towards ourselves, what we can do, as opposed to what God has done through us.
God does not like any of His children to be filled with sinful pride and large egos. He is not happy when a person feels they are better than or above others, especially those gifted with grand/recognizable talents. Those who possess extraordinary talents, that receive constant praise and admiration, need to be on guard so as to not let this attention cause them to swell with pride and inflate their egos.
God longs for us all to use the gifts and talents He’s given to point others to Him and to encourage others to seek to have a relationship with Him. And in time those who come into a relationship with Him, it is desirable that they will be encouraged as well, to begin using their gifts to point others to God.
But, to answer the question in our title for today, let us look to Proverbs 21:3. God’s word basically says He does not want our sacrifices or our gifts to be offered if we are unrighteous and do not practice justice. God would much rather our characters show integrity and that we continually practice righteousness/justice, than offer our gifts/talents and be lacking in those areas. If you have wronged someone, God would rather you first go make it right (as much as possible) with that other person, then feel free to offer your gifts/talents before Him, Matthew 5:23-24. We honor God by using our talents to bring others into a relationship with Him. However, to do so knowing you have wronged another or, you are full of pride and conceit, does not please God at all.
So, does God want gifts over obedience? No! He would rather we diligently seek to follow His teachings first, then look to share our gifts/talents with others.
Blessings,
Angélique
To contact: Angelique@21stcenturygodlyliving.com