1 Samuel 15-17

Who hasn’t tried to rationalize sin? We disobey God, but only because we had a good reason. Saul’s instructions from God were to destroy the Amalekites, all the people and all the livestock. Completely destroy.

So when the battle was over, Saul proudly announced to Samuel – “Mission accomplished!”

“So why am I hearing the sound of sheep, goats, and cattle?” Samuel asked.

“Oh that. The troops wanted to make a sacrifice to your God so we brought the best of the best back for your God.”

I love Samuel’s reply: STOP!!!

Just stop with your rationalizing what is purely disobedience. Samuel goes on and gives Saul a lesson in obedience. To his credit, Saul responded by saying, “I have sinned. I have disobeyed God.”

Saul should have left it with that. He didn’t. He went on by saying, “But I was afraid of the people so I obeyed them.”

I can just hear God saying, “Oh. I’m sorry. I didn’t realize you were afraid of the people so you needed to do what they said. No worries, bud. We’ll let it slide this time since you had such a good reason to defy Me.”

Not gonna happen.

I’ve known people who have done the same. They don’t want to offend their children so they go along with their sin for fear of “losing” them. I’ve even known some who say God gave them permission to do so.

There are people who compromise at work so as not to lose their jobs. You gotta do what you gotta do to survive.

Why do people lie? Because they are more afraid of what others will think about them than about what God says about telling the truth.

Today as I point my finger at others I remember times when I’ve rationalized sin in my own life. I have even convinced myself God was ok with it. I can rationalize my sin with the best of them.

Friend, God is never ok with that. Our only response to sin that God is ok with is repentance.

Saul didn’t acknowledge God as his God. He considered Him as Samuel’s God. Maybe that’s his excuse. But if you call yourself a Christian, you have no excuse to rationalize sin in your life.

None.