Obedience is Better Than Sacrifice

When I was growing up, my mother said a lot of things. Some of them I received right away. Others I’ve only come to understand through hard-earned lessons. One of the things she would always say was, “Obedience is better than sacrifice.”

At ages 14, 15—maybe even 16—that phrase meant she wanted me to listen. If I didn’t, I’d face the consequences. Discipline would follow. I'd end up sacrificing something that brought me joy because I had chosen disobedience.

And it was true.

Lately, I’ve experienced a profound peace—a peace I credit to a season of decluttering that God has led me into. I walked away from a toxic relationship and released friendships that only brought chaos. But more than that, I’ve entered a season of revelation.

It feels familiar.

And that’s because it is. I’ve been here before—many times. Time and again, I’ve had to walk away from people, places, and things that didn’t serve my purpose. Whether I was in a vulnerable space or a seemingly strong and healthy one, when it was time to elevate, God would clear the path. And I mean completely clear it. 

So here we are again. Back on track. His track.

God has been telling me how to move for years. Yet, out of disobedience and personal insecurity, I often chose otherwise. In some seasons, I just wanted to flex. In others, I was exhausted and wanted to rest. Most times, I just felt unworthy—with little to no resources to build a foundation for His purpose. I wanted what He wanted for me, but I kept making different choices for different reasons.

Let me tell you a quick story:

For the past two years, I’ve ordered groceries every Friday for Saturday morning pickup. And for two years, 90% of the time, something was either missing, damaged, or expired. I never complained. I told myself, “Well, I could go inside and shop for myself.” I even thought, “Next time I’ll check each bag before I leave.” But I never did. I accepted subpar service and silently took the loss.

Then came the day that changed everything.

I placed my usual order—half necessities, half food—with a specific request for children’s cold medicine, Vicks VapoRub, and lemon-flavored cough drops. One of my daughters was sick, and I needed that medicine by 7:00 AM—before her feet even touched the floor. But just like before, the bag was missing the most important item: the medicine.

I lost it. Not on the Walmart employees—but on myself.

Why didn’t I check the bags? It takes two seconds. Literally.

This time, I had to drive back to get what I had already paid for. But more than that, I had to face the truth: I was sacrificing peace and provision because I refused to walk in simple obedience.

This, I believe, is what God is teaching me in this season of revelation: Obedience is better than sacrifice.

There is nothing this world can offer that can take the place of His will. Nothing can replace His love. Nothing is better than His grace and mercy.

I’ve failed many times at remaining obedient to His Word and His will. And Lord knows, I’m still learning—day by day.

But to realize that it all hinges on obedience. It’s mind-boggling.

God warns us. He guides us. Like a loving parent, He speaks to us about our decisions. But it’s up to us to decide whether what we want is worth walking in disobedience.

I’ll leave you with this:

Every time I’ve allowed people, places, or things to pull me off my path, God—after the pain, after the betrayal—has opened His arms and placed me right back at the last place I stood obediently ready to do His work.

From now on, I will walk in obedience—not because it’s easy, but because it’s the only path that leads to everything God has promised me.

Be blessed,

De'dria Louise Bynum