God said David was a "man after My own heart" (Acts 13:22). Saul, on the other hand, was a man after his own heart. He insisted on doing things his way rather than God's way.

In 1 Samuel 15, the Lord instructed Saul, "Go and attack Amalek, and utterly destroy all that they have, and do not spare them" (v.3). As the instrument of God's judgment, Saul was not to let anyone or anything escape.

Did Saul obey God? No! He spared the king's life and kept the best animals and "all that was good" (v.9). When confronted by Samuel, Saul lied, made excuses, and insisted that he had obeyed the Lord (vv.20-21). He was guilty of doing what he wanted and expecting God to approve of his incomplete obedience.

We too sometimes choose not to obey the Lord completely. Then we try to justify our own sinful behavior by telling ourselves that it doesn't really matter to God, or that other Christians are far more sinful than we are. But God demands total obedience.

The Holy Spirit uses God's Word to reveal to us what the Lord wants us to do. Let's stop making excuses and honor Him with our complete obedience.  — David C. Egner