1 Samuel Chps 13-15
Although God is in control, He does give us free will to do what we wish. Against His wishes He gives the Israelites a king in Saul. Unsurprisingly, Saul disappoints. In response to Saul's partial obedience (with a sacrifice to "compensate" for this partial obedience), Samuel says to Saul:
“Does the LORD delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices
as much as in obeying the LORD?
To obey is better than sacrifice,
and to heed is better than the fat of rams.
23 For rebellion is like the sin of divination,
and arrogance like the evil of idolatry.
Because you have rejected the word of the LORD,
he has rejected you as king.” (1 Samuel 15:22)
as much as in obeying the LORD?
To obey is better than sacrifice,
and to heed is better than the fat of rams.
23 For rebellion is like the sin of divination,
and arrogance like the evil of idolatry.
Because you have rejected the word of the LORD,
he has rejected you as king.” (1 Samuel 15:22)
This scenario plays out in my own life as I may read and study God's word some of the time but not daily, or I may pray some of the time but not daily, etc.
I say things to myself that I am fairly consistent or I am doing better than I used to...but all of this is not good enough, certainly not good enough in God's eyes. Who am I to rationalize my behavior as obedience - is this NOT arrogance to the highest degree?
My Prayer: Lord, you are a God of mercy and of grace. In spite of my shortcomings and arrogance you bless me. How great you are! Thank you for my blessings, your love, and your grace. Forgive me for my arrogance. Please help love and obey you with 100% of my heart and soul.
