READ: Leviticus 10:1-7
“To what purpose is the multitude of your sacrifices unto me? saith the LORD” – Isaiah 1:11
Making sacrifices which God has not asked for is a common alternative to obeying God.
The Bible has many examples of people making sacrifices which God did not ask for. King Saul, Nadab and Abihu are just a few examples of people who made sacrifices that God did not want. These sacrifices actually irritated the Lord because they were such a big hypocritical show of unreal worship. God is not pleased with these sacrifices even though men are impressed. God is not deceived with the show of sacrifice and humility. God always prefers obedience to any form of sacrifice.
“And Samuel said, Hath 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 hearken than the fat of rams” (1 Samuel 15:22).
You can lose your life when you make sacrifices you have not been asked to make. Ask Nadab and Abihu what happened to them when they made sacrifices they had not been asked to make. (Leviticus 10:1 2).
Even in the New Testament, born-again Christians get a feeling of righteousness when they make certain sacrifices and take themselves through hardships. Many times, God does not require you to go through hardships. All He requires from you is simple obedience