Partial obedience is still disobedience……
My memory verse this week is James 4:8 “Come near to God and He will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.”
That’s a hard verse for me to read. How often am I a sinner and double-minded? Why can’t I be firm in what I say and do and be more directed by the Spirit? What stands in my way? I must be more connected to the Spirit than the world. I say that but yet on my Kindle, the books that I read are not always Godly. So, this week, I want to come nearer to God by being determined to watch Godly shows (The Forge is great!!!!) and read Christian books. I will work to be steadfast and true and not double-minded. Prayers of purification.
In 1 Samuel 15, Saul was to completely destroy the Amelekites and all their possessions. The destruction was punishment from God for how they (the Amelekites) had treated the Israelites. Total destruction did not happen. Saul kept the best possessions for himself, only partially obeying God’s command. My SS teacher asked us, “have you ever only partially obeyed?” Answers were, “yeah Mom, I picked everything up off the floor.” Well, he did obey somewhat except he put everything on his bed in the bedroom when told to “pick up his room.” Am I only partially obeying when I’m not careful of what my eyes and ears see or hear? …hey…I read the Bible sometimes.
What is the consequence of partial obedience and a double-minded nature? Saul lost his title of king. He lost spiritual guidance from Samuel and became paranoid, filled with an evil spirit. He lost his connection to God. He relied on himself and was arrogant and greedy. In the end, Saul lost his life to an Amelekite. Saul LOST alot, didn’t he?
Am I arrogant and greedy, thinking I know better than my parents, my employer……my God? Do I only partially obey like Saul. I don’t want to lose a lot like Saul. I don’t want to be LOST like Saul was.
I am so glad Jesus followed through, all the way and completely. Romans 5:19 “For as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous.” He is the only way, so I don’t have to remain LOST, but I do need to do my part.
Praying sanctification and for my mind to be steadfast on Him and in my life…..total obedience.
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