Partial Obedience

Then the word of the LORD came to Samuel: “I am grieved that I have made Saul king, because he has turned away from me and has not carried out my instructions.” When Samuel reached him, Saul said, “The LORD bless you! I have carried out the LORD’s instructions.” I Samuel 15:10,11,13 (NIV)

The instructions were clear (I Samuel 15:1-26). Saul was to destroy the Amalekites and their animals because of their treatment of the children of Israel when they left Egypt. But Saul didn’t do that. He destroyed everything except the king, the best of the animals, and all that was good. His partial obedience was noticed and condemned by God. Hence, Samuel was told two very different things by God and Saul. God said Saul had not obeyed Him and Saul said he had obeyed. Upon hearing Saul’s statement, Samuel had one question for him. In essence he said, “If you have truly obeyed God, why am I hearing bleating sheep and lowing cattle?” Samuel and Saul were within hearing distance of his disobedience. The eventual consequence of that disobedience was his loss of position as king.

Partial obedience is no obedience as far as God is concerned. Every part of His commands to us are significant and necessary. But we often approach His Word with a smorgasbord mentality. Picking and choosing what appeals to us and ignoring what doesn’t. How our selective, partial, incomplete obedience must grieve the heart of God as well. Are there consequences? Absolutely! They may be in the form of missed opportunities, loss of position, withdrawn blessings, or even shortened life. Although we live under grace and not under law, this principle still applies. God is the same yesterday, today, and forever. But there is encouragement in the midst of what seems harsh.

David was called a man after God’s own heart even though he had a trail of sin behind him that included adultery and murder. How can that be? Because when he was confronted with his sin he repented and always sought reconciliation with God. When Saul was confronted with his sin he always made excuses and minimized the offense. Repentance opens the door for restoration and reinstates God’s hand of blessing on a life. Refusal to admit the wrong, blocks the return of blessing. It is that simple.

Father, may I grieve at my partial obedience as much as You do. Help me to completely obey and fully follow You. Amen.