God is not impressed.....

God is not impressed with the works of our hands when our hearts are not refined by the work of His Hand. 

That's the lesson we learn from the episode in 1 Samuel 15. God's instruction to Saul was very clear in verse 3 -"Destroy the Amalekites and leave nothing behind". Saul did just as he was commanded except he saved the king and the best of the cattle.(verse 9). Saul gave two seemingly good reasons for his actions:
  • The soldiers did it
  • They saved the best cattle so that they can offer it as a sacrifice to the Lord.
Doesn't it sound brilliant. It was done for a very good cause -Worship to the Lord. But God had a very different opinion, In verse 11 - “I regret that I have made Saul king, because he has turned away from me and has not carried out my instructions.” 

Two key lessons we can learn from here:

  • Don't pass the buck. Accept responsibility for your mistakes and the mistakes of your subordinates. Saul readily shifted the blame on his men when the he was in charge and he had the opportunity to correct the mistakes of his men. We see the chromosomes that mutated in the garden of Eden rearing its ugly traits through the generations of Adam. It appears even today in more subtle forms. Dare to be like David, who when confronted, said, "I have sinned". That's the hallmark of a good leader. 
  • Partial obedience is no obedience. All our givings, offerings and all the outward exhibition of prophetic worship, no matter how mesmerizing and spiritual it may appear to be, it does not please God when the heart is not totally obedient to Him. It may win the approval and applause of men, men who only see the gift and not the heart of the giver. But God is certainly not impressed. God was not impressed with his 99% obedience, even though it was for a worthy cause. Let me give you some practical examples as seen from my own life:
    • Using your tithes for other good activities when it should have been given to the church
    • Praising God in the church but with unforgiveness in your heart
    • Always giving an excuse to justify one's wrong doing 
    • Talking about discipline but when there is no discipline in one's life. By the way if you are overweight, that's a clear indication you are not disciplined. You are simply lazy.
    • Preaching one thing and doing another
    • Actively engaged in ministry but living in secret sin 
    • God does not want our money if it was earned illegally. 
    • Doing things to seek the approval of man
    • Doing things to God out of obligation

David learnt this lesson in very gruesome circumstances when he cried in Psalms 51:16-17 - You are not happy with any sacrifice. Otherwise, I would offer one to you.You are not pleased with burnt offerings. The sacrifice pleasing to God is a broken spirit. O God, you do not despise a broken and sorrowful heart. 

God wants to refine our hearts so that it is totally obedient and fully surrendered to Him. Only then will the work of our hands be a sweet smelling savour in His presence.  

When we walk with the Lord 
in the light of his word, 
what a glory he sheds on our way! 
While we do his good will, 
he abides with us still, 
and with all who will trust and obey.

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