Insincere

 1 Samuel 15:25 ESV

 Now therefore, please pardon my sin and return with me that I may bow before the Lord.” 


If we took this verse at face value we might give Saul the benefit of the doubt. In the context of Scripture however, we see that King Saul wasn't genuine. He just didn't want to lose face before his subjects.

From the outset, Saul lacked confidence. Yet he didn't seek to put his confidence in the Lord. Instead, he attempted to 'aura farm' from the prophet Samuel who had genuine integrity.

Thankfully, not only was Samuel consistent, but he was also perceptive. He saw through Saul's insincerity. He refused to grant Saul's request.

God doesn't want religion that is all show. Samuel told Saul that 'to obey is better than sacrifice'. It's not enough to pay God lip service if our hearts aren't right before him.

'God, forbid that we would lack sincerity. Please prove us genuine, for we pray in Christ's name, and for your glory, amen'.

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