“But Samuel replied, “What is more pleasing to the Lord: your burnt offerings and sacrifices or your obedience to his voice? Listen! Obedience is better than sacrifice, and submission is better than offering the fat of rams. Rebellion is as sinful as witchcraft, and stubbornness as bad as worshiping idols. So because you have rejected the command of the Lord, he has rejected you as king.” Then Saul admitted to Samuel, “Yes, I have sinned. I have disobeyed your instructions and the Lord’s command, for I was afraid of the people and did what they demanded.”
1 Samuel 15:22-24 NLT
I don't willingly not listen to the Holy Spirit...I mean, I do, but not in a bad way. I don't raise my fist, stomp my feet and yell like a teen arguing to clean the kitchen or their room. What I do, however, is put on my 'know-it-all' headphones and ignore the direction in which the Spirit of God is leading me, especially if it's a place that I don't want to go.
I do this in my marriage, my Job, church ministry, church attendance like the missing the sabbath, lack of prayer, lack of reading his word thinking I will be okay and other areas that I'm not ready to submit to the Word and will of God. Who wants to 'submit to one another' when your husband or wife wants to take that extra Job “ Money” away from family and friends. Or submit to a plan of healthy eating and exercise, especially during the holidays.
But scripture says that this constant rebellious attitude is like witchcraft—yes, witchcraft and sorcery and our stubbornness is as bad as idolatry. We have set up ourselves, our wills, and our emotions against God. Remember this it’s not against your Pastor & the church but against GOD.
I don't want to be God's enemy. I want to be his Son. I want my life to sing and my obedience to be worship. I'm going to submit...will you?
Pride goes before destruction, and haughtiness before a fall.”
Proverbs 16:18 NLT
