November 24

Listen ... AND Obey!


What is more pleasing to the Lord: your burnt offerings and sacrifices or your obedience to his voice?

1 Samuel 15:22 (NLT)


People sometimes say it is better to ask forgiveness than seek permission. How much better to listen to God. How much better to do God’s will and not our own.

This passage highlights King Saul’s disobedience. He heard God's directions but failed to obey. Why? Saul was afraid, weak and, at the worst time, non-confrontational. He didn’t want to ruffle feathers. He went along with the crowd even when it violated a direct command from God. Instead of obeying, Saul rationalized. He figured if he did some of what he was supposed to do, he could dismiss the rest. Bad choice.

You and I face similar challenges. If I go along with the crowd when I know His better path, if I remain quiet when I know the right thing to do is to speak up and take a stand, or if I discount how God has directed me ... I will have repeated Saul’s mistake.

If you and I think we can disobey God’s direct command, we had better count the cost. Saul disobeyed and lost everything. Disobedience is not worth the cost, or as a dear friend of mine once said, "You can't sin and win!"


Father, open my ears and my heart to do what is right before You. Amen.