1 Samuel 15:22-23(KJV)
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. For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because thou hast rejected the Word of the Lord, he hath also rejected thee from being king.
Disobedience is rebellion and distrust of God. Disobedience is neglecting God’s leadership and going our own way. It is choosing to lean on our own understanding instead of trusting God with all our hearts. It is essential to know that it was a lifestyle of disobedience that dislocated the destiny of king Saul. He disobeyed God, and God terminated his destiny. The story of king Saul and his battle against the Amalekites teaches us a great lesson. Despite receiving the Divine Word to destroy the Amalekites, sparing no man or animal, Saul failed to execute the task entirely. His act of sparing Agag, their king, and the best of their animals earned him God’s judgment and condemnation. It serves as a reminder for us to strive for complete obedience in all we do to avoid falling short and experiencing negative consequences. He faced consequences for refusing to adhere to the principles of the Lord. Serving God involves making sacrifices, which is commendable. God wants us to offer our bodies as a living sacrifice that is pure and pleasing to Him (Romans 12:1). Nevertheless, God values our obedience more than our sacrifices. When we choose what to obey from the Scriptures, we become like king Saul and will earn God’s disfavor.
In our walk with God, total obedience is the key to success. Obedience is the act of doing what one is told to do. In the spiritual sense, obedience is complete submission to God’s written and spoken Word. Jeremiah 7:23 says, “But this thing commanded I them, saying, Obey my voice, and I will be your God, and ye shall be my people: and walk ye in all the ways that I have commanded you, that it may be well unto you.” Prompt obedience is one distinguishing characteristic of those who are plentiful in the things of God. God cherishes those who obey Him and His Word. It takes boldness for the children of God to obey Him in this world of perversion and outright corruption. Disobedience is the by-product of having no faith in God. When we lack belief in God, the tendency for them to disobey God is written all over them. It is unfortunate, but many believers are doing the same thing today. Most know how to spiritualize their disobedience and think they are dealing with a man or say something like “God understands.” When we ignore God’s guidance and rely on our own wisdom instead, we commit idolatry. We elevate ourselves above God and become our own idols. God is not a man; He is God. He knows our thoughts and motives far off.
Beloved, as you obey God and walk in the path of righteousness, you will experience God’s Blessing. Regardless of who you are, where you come from, and whatever you think, your essence here on earth is to obey and worship God and do His will. Don’t be a moral coward; be bold enough to say “no” to all acts of unrighteousness. Speak out against sin anywhere you find yourself. Even if you are facing persecution for your obedience to God, don’t give up, compromise your stand, or allow yourself to be distracted from the path of obedience. Obey God because He always stays true to the principle of His Word. Today, if you desire to open the door to the miraculous in your life, have faith in God and obey Him completely. Make God the priority of your life above everyone and everything. Ask Him to forgive you and decide to obey Him from today. Do not agree with anyone to disobey God. Remember, partial obedience to God’s Word kindles His wrath.
O Lord, forgive in any area I have disobeyed You and give me the grace to obey You promptly and totally in Jesus’ Name.