1 Samuel 15:11(KJV)
It repenteth me that I have set up Saul to be king: for he is turned back from following me, and hath not performed my commandments. And it grieved Samuel; and he cried unto the Lord all night.
God had been so good to Saul. He took him from nothing and anointed him as king. He gave him everything he needed to succeed. And yet Saul still fell because of his poor decisions by not performing God’s commandments. From our anchored Scripture, it is clear that God was not pleased with king Saul for not performing His commandments as He had instructed. Saul didn’t refuse Samuel’s instructions entirely but refused to carry out all the instructions given to him by sparing the life of king Agag and also the best of the sheep and oxen. He kept whatever he considered the best and destroyed whatever he deemed second-class. Saul had done some of what Samuel told him but worked his desires into it. In God’s eyes, partial or selective obedience is the same as a rebellion against His authority. Saul’s disobedience, his rebellion against God, caused God to take back His choice of Saul as king. Disobedience often takes the form of reinterpretation of the original command. When we have to make up excuses for our behavior, blaming others, or the situation, we are on the road to disobedience. Numbers 15:40 says, “That ye may remember, and do all my commandments, and be holy unto your God.” God wants His children to do all His commandments without being selective.
It is our duty to obey God’s commandments in full. Psalms 119:4-5 says, “Thou hast commanded us to keep thy precepts diligently. O that my ways were directed to keep thy statutes!” We have to obey God’s Word, no matter the cost. However, it is evident that any time we disobey God’s commandments, it is due to a lack of fear of Him! The fear of the Lord will keep us from compromising His truth for personal gain. And when we disobey God’s laws, we break away from His grace and mercy. It is not uncommon for many to overlook God’s commands at times. Many people have become dispassionate about the importance of following the Word of God. In today’s world, many want the freedom to do whatever they like; they argue with the command of God because it clashes with what they value, placing their assessment of temporary values over trusting God’s values and obedience to God’s commandments. Jesus said in John 14:21, “Whoever has my commands and keeps them is the one who loves me. The one who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love them and show myself to them.”
Beloved, make a conscious effort to obey the commandments of the Lord, for the consequences of disobedience can be lasting and painful. Be determined to live in obedience and never disobey God out of respect for anyone. For rejecting God’s word is rebellion against Him. God will banish and punish the rebellious and disobedient, for He is no respecter of any man and does not have a favorite. So don’t follow God on your own terms, but follow Him on His terms and choose obedience. Don’t try to justify your sin. Whenever you discover areas of disobedience in your life, promptly repent if you want to safeguard your destiny. God has given you everything you need to succeed, including His Son, Jesus, for your salvation and the Holy Spirit to help you grow. You have His Word to guide and keep you on the right path. If you fall, it’s not God’s fault but your own fault. You cannot sway God with religious observances while ignoring your own blindness to the demands He places on you. Regardless of who you are, where you come from, and whatever you might think, your essence here on earth is to obey and worship God. Today, start the day fresh and new, walking obediently in the Word of God. Remember, obeying is better than sacrifice, for the Lord delights in your obedience.
O LORD, I ask for the grace for absolute obedience and dependence on You in Jesus’ Name.