Samuel had given Saul instructions from God that he was to destroy everything associated with the Amalekites, for the Amalekites stood against Israel. Saul took those instructions and made it a little more palatable. There didn’t seem to be a good reason to destroy the best of the livestock when Saul’s army could just take them for themselves. Saul gave himself permission to have the final say. He had become so accustomed to giving orders that he forgot how to follow them. In a previous battle, Saul had decided to go into battle, but the priests stopped him so they could inquire of the Lord. Obeying the Lord was becoming secondary to Saul’s own decisions. God’s response to Saul’s disobedience was that He regretted making him king. When Samuel showed up unannounced, Saul was proud of himself for carrying out the Lord’s instructions, only to later find out that partial obedience was disobedience, and it didn’t honor God. Disobedience had lasting ramifications for Saul, as God started preparing for Saul’s replacement.

What’s wrong with just doing part of God’s will? Don’t we get to choose what we do? When God’s commands become suggestions, we are in danger of walking in disobedience. Saul couldn’t even initially see it. He had given himself a pass because of his position when he should have held himself to God’s standard as the leader of the people. There are consequences to following our way as individuals, but it is multiplied for a leader. God does not want our half-hearted devotion. When we say no to God, we are also saying no to His blessings. Obeying God in the little things increases our sensitivity to God’s leading. What is God asking you to do today? Have the courage to walk in obedience even if it seems like your plan might be better. God sees the big picture and will honor you for honoring Him.