I love this quote by Ebenezer Erskine, “So often we give God a partial obedience. We do not dare to disobey, but we do not care to obey fully. So we compromise. We do some of what we should, thus removing the stigma of disobedience. But we refrain from the most difficult or objectionable or uncomfortable part, and thus try to get the best of both worlds.”
We love the fresh horizon of a new year. New beginnings and potential possibilities evoke a sense of excitement in all of us. We look back over the last year and realize we didn’t quite live up to our resolves in certain areas. So, with renewed anticipation we look on the horizon and begin again. This year I didn’t do that. Was I embracing the status quo of my life? Was I throwing in the towel? Did turning 64 inform me to just stop hoping for better? No, absolutely not! In fact, it was this one revelation from God’s Spirit that set my heart free. It gave me permission to adjust my focus where it truly needed to be.
The Danger of Partial Obedience
I was preparing to teach 1 Samuel 15 for our women’s bible study. I worked through the chapter finding lessons from Saul that were familiar to me. But God’s word is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword. And because of that something hit me right between the eyes. In a good way!
We know that God gave Saul a specific command. It was clear, concise and left no room for any what if’s, and what about. Saul went to the task locked and loaded for the battle. He and his soldiers had everything they needed to fulfill God’s mission. Verse 9 begins with a “But”. This is where the downfall began. Saul made the decision to adjust the terms of his obedience to God’s command. On top of that, he spinned his disobedience stating that it had spiritual reasoning’s. Saul would try and make up for his partial obedience but in God’s eyes it was total rebellion.
Obedience Is Better Than Sacrifice
I took a long hard look at this. The Spirit of God was all in on searching my heart. I wondered how often the exciting feelings of a new start are often a camouflage. Is the pursuit of a new goal enabling me to avoid the areas that God knows need my total obedience? As we learned in our study it all sounded so good in Saul’s eyes. Don’t we tell ourselves the same in attempts to silence the conviction of God’s Spirit? I’ve done this much to my discomfort to admit.
What was God’s assessment to Saul’s argument? But Samuel declared: “Does the LORD delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obedience to His voice? Behold, obedience is better than sacrifice, and attentiveness is better than the fat of rams. 1 Samuel 15:22 BSB
Throughout scripture we see the history of God’s people. The often overlooked tendency to offer something else to the Lord to avoid radical obedience. The outcome is never the victory God promises and the blessings that follow. So we settle into a familiar and expected pattern. But all the while we’re still seeking something outside of our total surrender.
Start where you are! Be willing to examine those areas where you know that you’re offering “somewhat” obedience. Take what you know is an area you’ve been avoiding total obedience. Lay it at the altar. Confess to the Lord you’ve been offering excuses. I promise you, its not complicated! God will accept our simplest confession and willingness to do what He asks. And above all remember, by His Spirit not our best efforts nothing is impossible with Him. Are we are willing?
Only God knows what His good and acceptable and perfect will has in store for us in the new year.
“There will be no peace in any soul until it is willing to obey the voice of God.” D.L. Moody
