In what ways can we ensure we are obedient to God's instructions today? Learning from Saul’s Misstep “Because you did not obey the LORD or carry out His fierce wrath against Amalek” (1 Samuel 28:18). Saul’s tragic end reminds us that delayed or selective obedience still counts as disobedience. His story turns into a mirror: Am I treating any of God’s instructions as optional? Key Principles Drawn from the Verse • God expects full obedience, not partial compliance. • Disobedience has real consequences, even for anointed leaders. • God’s past commands (in Saul’s case, 1 Samuel 15) remain binding until fulfilled. Grounding Our Obedience in Scripture • 2 Timothy 3:16—“All Scripture is God-breathed and useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting.” • Joshua 1:8—“Meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it.” • Psalm 119:11—“I have hidden Your word in my heart that I might not sin against You.” Scripture shapes our worldview, corrects our blind spots, and equips us to recognize God’s instructions in everyday life. Practical Habits That Foster Obedience Today Daily Intake of the Word • Read consecutively through books of the Bible to grasp context. • Memorize key verses that address current struggles. • Journal insights and note any specific actions God impresses on you. Sensitive Listening • Start each day by inviting the Holy Spirit to highlight truth and convict quickly. • Stay alert during sermons, conversations, and circumstances—God often reinforces His guidance through multiple channels. Immediate Response • Act on promptings that align with Scripture without procrastination. • Keep short accounts with God; confess sin as soon as He brings it to light. Accountability • Share goals with trusted believers who will ask how you’re following through. • Welcome loving correction (Proverbs 27:6). Wise Boundaries • Remove influences that make obedience harder (Saul kept Amalekite spoils; we ditch digital distractions, toxic relationships, etc.). • Schedule margins so you have time and energy to do what God says. Attitude Matters • John 14:15—“If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.” Love is the engine that powers obedience. • 1 John 5:3—“This is the love of God: we keep His commands, and His commands are not burdensome.” Trusting God’s goodness turns duty into delight. Encouragement from Promises • Deuteronomy 28:1—“If you fully obey the LORD your God… the LORD will set you high above all nations.” God ties blessing to obedience, not to earn His favor but to enjoy it. • James 1:22—“Be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.” Obedience keeps us from self-deception and anchors us in reality. Living It Out Daily 1. Begin each morning with Scripture before screens. 2. Note one clear action point and do it the same day. 3. Review at night: where did I obey, hesitate, or ignore? 4. Thank God for every step taken and seek strength for the next. Saul shows us where disobedience leads; Christ shows us how obedience flows—from a heart captivated by Him. |
    |