Misguided focus

The story of Saul always takes me by surprise. In the beginning, he is specifically called by God- and his response was to hide fearfully in the baggage. As he grows into the leadership position, he meets his demise in disobedience to God's orders. In 1 Samuel 15 we find God instructing Saul to go fight the Amalekites and to thoroughly destroy everything that belongs to them. As usually, God delivers the Israelites from the hands of their enemies. Everything seems to go according to plans except for one small aspect - Saul decided to not destroy everything. He spared the like of the Amalekite king, Agag, and kept the best of the livestock. As Samuel confronted Saul, rather than admitting his wrongdoing he lied. In verse thirteen he defends himself by asserting, "I have carried out the Lord's instructions." Samuel, being a prophet of God, clearly knew otherwise. Realising the grave mistake Saul pleads in verse 24, "I have sinned. I violated the Lord's command and your instructions.I was afraid of the people and so I gave in to them." Saul feared the people more than he feared God. Not only did Saul not fear God, but he thought the Lord would be okay with his sin since he intended on sacrificing the animals. He somehow thought that sacrifice could outweigh his blatant defiance. This anecdote ends with God mourning the fact that Saul ever even became king.

We see this story time and again in scripture. We read about the Israelites loss in the small town of Ai when they failed to seek God's guidance, and when Achan stole the coveted items which resulted in the death of both him and his family. This same theme rises up again and again. The sad thing is, we still refuse to learn this lesson today. It is a lesson I have to learn over and over again. How many times do we fear people more than we fear God? Often, we worry more about what people will think rather than what God will think. Saul looked around and saw a people that would oust him if he did not please them rather than a God who would deliver them if he obeyed.

Not only do we neglect fearing the Almighty, but we often trade in what is best for what we perceive as good. Saul rationalised his situation - maybe if I sacrifice the things I should have destroyed, God will be happy. He sought to please himself, his constituents, and God. In the end, he failed to do any of the above. As human beings we constantly trade in what is best in a desperate attempt to please ourselves, God, and those around us when in reality we do not even succeed at that. Our sole focus should be fulfilling the demands of our God and the rest will follow.

I cannot help but wonder - who do we fear more, God or people? Who do I fear more? To obey is better than sacrifice, but do I truly apply that to my life? Am I trading in God's perfect will for my life for something less than stellar? Saul neglected these aspects and lost his kingship to a young boy named David. I would hate to miss out because I had a misguided focus.