To follow instructions from our superiors may not be as straightforward as it sounds.
When we receive orders or instructions, we would usually interpret it with our own understanding.
Especially so when we think that we are smarter than our superiors.
In the 1st reading, king Saul told Samuel that he did obey the voice of the Lord.
But he had his own ideas of how that obedience is to be carried out and took out some of the booty to offer as sacrifice to the Lord.
Samuel told Saul that obedience is better than sacrifices and holocausts.
This teaches us that whether it is following the orders or instructions of our superiors, or the teachings of the Church, what is required is obedience and submissiveness.
If in doubt, it is better to seek clarification than to think that we know better.
That will save us from a lot of trouble and misunderstanding.