And Samuel said, What meaneth then this bleating of the sheep in mine ears, and the lowing of the oxen which I hear? 1Sam 15:14

How obedient are you to every thing which the LORD has shown you from Scripture?

Ask that of the average Christian and you will receive a hostile response. Some because they don't believe that the sugar daddy they call "god" would require any obedience of his children. Others because they are insulted that you would call their integrity into question. Then some will answer with a smile and a hearty "Amen!" but they are frauds. Saul was just such a man.

Saul was given a command by God through Samuel. He was to destroy the nation of the Amalites for their sin in attacking Israel when they were traveling to the land of Canaan to possess it (1Sam 15:1-3). Every man, woman, child, and domestic animal in the nation was to be destroyed.

Saul gathered the people, warned the Kenites (relatives of Moses' step father who came with Israel) and took the city (15:4-7). Saul destroyed all the citizens, but kept Agag, the king, alive (vs. 8-9a). Then he and the people destroyed all of the sick, deformed and old among the livestock but kept the rest, the good stuff, alive (vs. 9b). The LORD informed Samuel, who liked Saul, of his disobedience (vs. 10-11a). It grieved Samuel because he knew that the LORD was finished with Saul and preparing his replacement as king (vs. 11b, 23b).

When Saul met Samuel, he greeted him with a blessing and professed his great obedience to the LORD's command (vs. 13). And many will do just the same. They will profess how much they love Jesus and how good it is to be in spiritual communion with His holy saints! But actions are what count.

How is it with you, brother, sister? Are there sheep bleating in your life? Have you set aside everything that the LORD has commanded to be out of your life? Just as with Saul, it does not matter how many things you have cast out. If you are holding on to just one item which the LORD has said to forsake, you have a big, smelly ox standing in your living room, going "Moooo".