By Pastor Dr. Aggrey Soyekwo
1 Samuel 15:13-15 "When Samuel reached him, Saul said, “The Lord bless you! I have carried out the Lord’s instructions.” But Samuel said, “What then is this bleating of sheep in my ears? What is this lowing of cattle that I hear?” Saul answered, “The soldiers brought them from the Amalekites; they spared the best of the sheep and cattle to sacrifice to the Lord your God, but we totally destroyed the rest.”_ - NIV
God’s message and instructions to Saul were clear; to wipe out the Amelekites and everything they owned. Saul went and selectively destroyed what was unpleasant and spared the best bulls and sheep, purportedly to come and sacrifice to God. They also spared Agag, their king. When he met Samuel to report, he confidently said he carried out the Lord’s instructions. This act of disobedience displeased God so much that He regreted why He made Saul king, and removed him from the kingship.
Disobedience comes in various forms. Outright or partial refusal to heed instructions. When what God requires of us is interpreted and executed as one wishes or finds convenient, that’s disobedience. We are not at liberty to choose what we wish to do and what we don’t like as far as God’s word is concerned. God calls us to simple trust and complete obedience. Jesus commissioned the church to teach obedience to His commands.
How is it that some are living in sin and disobedience in one area of their lives and yet appear very confident, committed and zealous for God in other aspects? Because of self styled godliness which has redefined God’s word and instructions to conveniently suit their ungodly bodily desires. It is double dealing with the world. The Bible says God cannot be mocked by such hypocrisy. We ultimately reap what we sow. Choose to simply trust and obey God. That’s the way of peace._Galatians 6:7 “Do not deceive yourselves; no one makes a fool of God. People will reap exactly what they sow.”__
Matthew 28:20 "...and teach them to obey everything I have commanded you. And I will be with you always, to the end of the age.”_
Shalom children of God.