Your obituary says a lot about you. King Saul’s last words were: ‘I have played the fool'(1 Samuel 26:21 NKJV). Israel’s first king was destined for greatness until he decided to do things his own way instead of God’s way.
When the Philistines attacked Israel he tried to rally his troops, who were immobilized by fear. He knew he should wait for the prophet Samuel to come and offer a burnt sacrifice as required by the law. But he said, ‘I will just do it myself. Under the circumstances, God won’t mind.’ That one act of disobedience ended his career. He died by committing suicide on the battlefield; a life filled with promise, ended in disgrace.
You play the fool by:
(1) Disregarding God in little things. Saul’s fall didn’t happen overnight. Little sins morph into big ones. Thinking, ‘It’s no big deal,’ Saul took matters into his own hands. He said, ‘I felt compelled to offer the burnt offering myself’ (1 Samuel 13:12 NLT). Note the words, ‘I felt.’ It can feel so right, yet be so wrong. Only trust your feelings when they line up with God’s Word.
(2) Trying to justify your behavior. Saul rationalized, ‘I saw my men scattering, you didn’t arrive when you said, the Philistines are ready for battle’ (1Samuel :13:11 NLT). Stop rationalizing, repent, and obey God!
(3) Letting resentment control you. Though he had the makings of a great leader, when David started to gain popularity, Saul’s resentment ended up destroying him.
Most people learn from their own mistakes; wise people learn from other people’s mistakes! Learn from Saul; don’t play the fool.
