Obedience Brings Honor
I went through a bit of rebellion period in my younger years. (I know it’s hard to imagine!) I challenged everything my parents and anyone in authority had to say. I was still at home, so I really didn’t go anywhere or do anything major out of rebellion. I won’t disclose some of the stupid things I did or said. I am embarrassed even today at the disrespect that I showed others during that time in my life. As a Dad, I tried to understand when my kids were being rebellious or stupid. There is a difference. As an adult, my disobedience is both rebellion and stupidity.
As I read in 1 Samuel this morning, I recalled my rebellion as I read about Saul’s rebellion. He was the first king of Israel and he couldn’t seem to follow the Lord’s instructions. I feel like he might have been a bit arrogant and full of pride in his position. He was told to wipe out Israel’s enemy and destroy everything they owned but he kept the plunder and spared King Agag’s life. Samuel confronts Saul of his disobedience. Check this out….
22 But Samuel replied:
“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 15:22-23 NLT)
I looked at my life today and I realize that I still have some rebellion in my life. My rebellion is ALWAYS connected back to pride. I needed reminding that obedience to the Lord is better than any song I sing to Him. My obedience is more significant than any sizable offering I could bring. Obedience to Him is more important than my quiet time or my blogging. The idols of my heart and my life are comparable to worshipping a wooden god. The Lord takes my obedience very seriously. He speaks into my heart specific instructions. He calls me to obedience and trust in Him every day. Obedience to Him brings Honor to Him. His Presence in me leads me to obedience and trust in everything.
Pressing On!
Dwayne
One of the characteristics of a man of God is the continued obedience after repeated failure of “our” plan and repeated repentance will always be humble willful loving obedience. Running the race in St James City Fl with Jean by the grace of God. Found your writing this am.