Wanting To Be Like . . . !

Sometimes people just don't know how good they have it. They look at others and envy their position or covet what they have. So many are led to see greener grass on the other side of the fence while failing to recognize the green turf on which they stand. How dissatisfied do we sometimes get in following where God leads us? How many times have we read what He offers us and then choose to go another direction anyway? We read the history of Israel and wonder how could they turn from absolute trust in God when we ourselves have so often been guilty of the same thing.

Near the end of Samuel's life -- as the people acknowledged he was getting old and his sons whom he had made judges were perverting justice by accepting bribes ( 1 Samuel 8:1-3) -- the elders of Israel gathered to make a request. We read. . .

"(4)Then all the elders of Israel gathered together and came to Samuel at Ramah (5) and said to him, 'Behold, you are old and your sons do not walk in your ways. Now APPOINT FOR US A KING TO JUDGE US LIKE ALL THE NATIONS.' " ( 1 Samuel 8:4-5 ESV)

God made it clear it was not Samuel, but rather He Himself Who was being rejected as king over them. ( 1 Samuel 8:7) Now, sometimes it is wise to be careful what we ask for. Though the people would eventually insist (vs.19) on having a king "LIKE ALL THE NATIONS" (vs.20), God first had Samuel describe what life under an earthly king would be like. In a word it would be COSTLY!

Reading through verses 10-18 we see the cost adding up and up. It would COST THEM their sons (vss.10-12) and daughters (vs.13) in the king's service. It would COST THEM property and tithes (vss.14-15) in addition to what was already being given to the Lord for the service of the priests. It would COST THEM their servants and animals. (vss.16-17) Then, worst of all, it would COST THEM the mindfulness of God when they complained about the outcome of their request. (vs.18)

To hear God's warnings and then choose to be "like the world" is certain to BE COSTLY. It WILL COST in terms of wasted energy and time pursing what does not provide the greatest blessings. It WILL COST in terms of frustration as things don't go as well as they could. And it can ultimately COST our very soul.

The greatest blessings come when we desire to be like what God wants us to be as we place our complete trust in Him and His Way! The grass is always greener in the pastures to which God leads. ( Psalm 23:1-2) May we get our focus off what the world is like and follow in the Way of God.

Have a great day ENJOYING LIFE UNDER THE SOVEREIGNTY OF GOD!
Carl

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