As the stock crew, mostly teenagers, walked through the store eating popcorn, I had to wonder at the time if they paid for it. I sure did not see them come through the registers. Looked to me like they came straight from the deli. Then I saw the Assistant Manager with a bag full too!
That was over 30 years ago, and I still remember it! Maybe it was old popcorn, and they were going to throw it away.
Have you ever seen folks get caught with their hand in the proverbial cookie jar?
As we continue looking this week at 1 Samuel 15, there is another interesting thing to note.
And Saul said unto Samuel, I have sinned: for I have transgressed the commandment of the LORD, and thy words: because I feared the people, and obeyed their voice.
1 Samuel 15:24
Saul said he feared the people and obeyed their voice. Why? After all, he was the king. He was obviously making an excuse for the end result. Right?
Being king brings responsibility. Saul made the wrong choice. He blamed the folks instead of taking responsibility. The responsibility was his, and his alone.
We don’t have the title of king, but we do have responsibility. We can follow our friends and coworkers when and if they do something they should not do, or we can choose God.
When we do the right thing, we are a light.
And art confident that thou thyself art a guide of the blind, a light of them which are in darkness, An instructor of the foolish, a teacher of babes, which hast the form of knowledge and of the truth in the law.
Romans 2:19-20
Maybe Saul really did fear them on some level, or at least let them sway him for whatever reason. How many times have we let what our coworkers or friends did influence us? How many times have we gone along with the crowd just because we wanted them to like us?
Typically, people follow where the king leads. How many folks do you have that will follow you down whatever road you lead? You don’t always know who is watching you. What kind of difference will you make?
Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
Matthew 5:14-16
Ultimately, it is up to us to decide if we are going to be responsible God-following leaders, or not. It won’t always be the popular thing to do. What will you choose?
LIFE APPLICATION
Key Focal Verse:
And Samuel said, Hath the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams.
1 Samuel 15:22
Today’s challenge is to pray for the courage to stand up for God. Make your choice now to follow Him in all things. Accept responsibility for your choices. Be a leader, and don’t pass the blame when you stumble. You might be surprised at who is watching! It might be someone you really care about.