Re:Verse reading–1 Samuel 15 (day seven)
Then Saul said to Samuel, “I did obey the voice of the Lord, and went on the mission on which the Lord sent me, and have brought back Agag the king of Amalek, and have utterly destroyed the Amalekites. But the people took some of the spoil, sheep and oxen, the choicest of the things devoted to destruction, to sacrifice to the Lord your God at Gilgal.” (v. 20-21)
Everything Saul achieved was exactly what a nation wants in battle: incredible spoils and the opposing king imprisoned. The campaign was a flawless military endeavor, a flawless military endeavor that ruined his career. There are times in this life that play out perfectly by every discernable measure, but they separate us from God. As perfect as the scenario looks, if it separates you from God it is ruinous. Do not let worldly measures of success define you, rather seek first His Kingdom and His righteousness, and all those other things will be added to you.
How do you define success? Everyone defines his or her own success differently based on personal, professional values, philosophy, and spiritual foundation. Success is defined by us. No one can define for us. I am a true believer that when we seek the Kingdom of God and His righteousness first, God will bless us for more.
Jesus promises that we will receive exactly what we crave for in full so if we crave for the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, we will be rewarded and we will satisfy. When we seek for Christ’s righteousness in this life, I am convinced that we will receive full satisfaction. When we deeply desire to be approved by God, we will experience spiritual growth and hope for eternity. God is our Creator and has a plan for each of us; and by seeking His approval, we will receive peace, joy and happiness in this life now and in eternity.
It is a wrong way to seek for men’s approval. I dream for a day when we all are sin-free. God’s approval is the way. Complete obedience to God is the way. The benefit for complete obedience is huge. My success is defined by God’s approval and how far I have walked with God. I will measure my progress and will celebrate my success along the way.