“Then Saul said to Samuel, ‘I have sinned, for I have transgressed the commandment of the LORD and your words, because I feared the people and obeyed their voice.’”

1 Samuel 15:24 ESV

Saul was God’s appointed and anointed king. However, he was later stripped of his authority and throne because of his disobedience. Saul was courageous enough to displease God but cowardly enough to please people.

God commanded Saul to destroy the enemies of Israel, but he chose to spare the king of that nation and keep the best of the livestock and everything that appeared valuable.

Saul was the king of Israel, with the authority to carry out God’s instructions without any human intervention. Yet, this king had fallen so low that he was afraid to hurt people’s feelings but was bold enough to disobey God.

Saul even tried to justify his disobedience by claiming that the livestock was spared to offer sacrifices to God. But Samuel reminded him that obedience is better than sacrifice.

Modifying God’s instructions to please people is also disobedience.

There are consequences we all have to face when pleasing people takes priority over pleasing God. Pleasing people is a dangerous trap to fall into. Once we begin pleasing people, we may find ourselves compelled to keep doing so.

How often do we remain silent, compromise, or avoid standing for God’s Word simply because we do not want to displease someone?

To escape an uncomfortable situation, avoid offending someone, or gain people’s approval, we may allow or compromise certain things in our lives. Remember, the compromise you make today to please people may cost you something that God has entrusted to you.

We are called to love people, but never to compromise God’s instructions to gain their approval.

In all circumstances, stand by God’s Word and be diligent in following His instructions. You may displease hundreds of people around you. Even your own family may disown you, but you will not be forgotten by the God of Israel.

The One who called you is faithful enough to carry you through even the most uncomfortable situations.

Be determined to please God in all circumstances, even when it means displeasing people.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, help me to fear You more than I fear people. Give me the courage to obey Your Word without compromising to gain anyone’s approval. Strengthen me to stand firm even in uncomfortable situations. Let my desire to please You always be greater than my fear of displeasing others. In Jesus’ name, Amen.