I’m currently going through John Maxwell’s 21 Most Powerful Minutes in a Leader’s Day. And it’s really hammering me. You see, the first section talks about Maxwell’s Law of the Lid, which states, “Leadership Ability Determines a Person’s Level of Effectiveness.” And to illustrate his point, Maxwell uses the story of King Saul and King David. At one point, Saul is sent ahead of the prophet Samuel to prepare for a battle. When Samuel didn’t show up at the appointed time, Saul decided to conduct his own sacrifice and offering to the Lord. Which was a “No, No” back in the day. So, Samuel says:
“Tell me,” Samuel said. “Does the LORD really want sacrifices and offerings? No! He doesn’t want your sacrifices. He wants you to obey him. Rebelling against God or disobeying him because you are proud is just as bad as worshiping idols or asking them for advice. You refused to do what God told you, so God has decided that you can’t be king.” 1 Samuel 15:22-23 (CEV)
And this got me thinking about how often we don’t FULLY LISTEN to what God says. As a husband, I can attest to the fact that I sometimes halfway listen to my lovely wife. Even when she is telling me something important, and it has really bit me in the butt!
How often does God tell us something, and we only halfway listen?
How much trouble would it have saved you, had you truly LISTENED and done what God told you?
“How much longer will you enjoy being stupid fools? Won’t you ever stop sneering and laughing at knowledge? Listen as I correct you and tell you what I think. You completely ignored me and refused to listen; you rejected my advice and paid no attention when I warned you. So when you are struck by some terrible disaster, or when trouble and distress surround you like a whirlwind, I will laugh and make fun” Proverbs 1:22-27 (CEV)
Amen … buddy. Hey bro, give me a call, I had to get a new phone and lost your number. Need to talk about visiting in October.