Christian Advocates

Samuel (one of God's prophets) said 1 Samuel 15:23  rebellion was a sin equal to witchcraft.

Saul (The first King of Israel and the first rebel) might tell you
if he could be interviewed that he did not  rebel against God's orders; he simply decided to "modify" the orders as any good soldier would do when confronted with conditions not foreseen when the orders were given.

What are your thoughts?   Should one obey God no matter what? Or, should we be able to modify the rules to be more compatible to our personal situations?  All Saul did was bring back some cattle to sacrefice to God even though he was told to kill everything.  Some seem to be addicted to everything that is designed to destroy them.  Should we not waist our time on them? That was the thinking of the Religious Leaders, in Jerusalem.  They accused Jesus of spending too much time with sinners.  Jesus responded that the ones addicted to sin, were the ones who needed him; those who were well didn't need a physician.

Samuel prayed for Saul all night that God might not reject him and cut him off as king and leader of Isreal.

Think about it, who needs more help than those who are in trouble?  Of course, there are always going to be those who don't want help.  Those who resist change; they like it the way it is.  Those who consider themselves "Okay."  There is a way that seems right to a man; but the end is DEATH.  

Another example - there was a lame man laying beside the pool, who Jesus healed.  He then had to give up his welfare benefits (he was no longer disabled).  The next day he had to find work and become a contributing member of his community, his church, and a part of the outreach to others that were disabled.  Don't you wonder if he occasionally missed the days when he didn't have to work?

Do we really want Jesus in our lives?  If it means changes that require becoming responsible; actually getting a job and working? 
Are we willing to conform?  To change?  Accept laws and rules?  We can call that attitude by many names; but, it all boils down to rebellion.  "I am just different."  "I march to a different drummer."  It is rebellion.  If there is any rebellion in your heart deal with it, talk it out with someone - but never, never forget rebellion will hurt the one in rebellion far more than it will hurt the one being rebelled against.  AND most importantly it will keep you from access to the Throne Room.

Open your Bible to Chapter 15 of Luke and read the "Lost & Found" or just "click" one of these 3 and read on-line.