And Saul said, They have brought them from the Amalekites: for the people spared the best of the sheep and of the oxen, to sacrifice unto the LORD thy God; and the rest we have utterly destroyed. 1Sam 15:15
20 And Saul said unto Samuel, Yea, I have obeyed the voice of the LORD, and have gone the way which the LORD sent me, and have brought Agag the king of Amalek, and have utterly destroyed the Amalekites. 21 But the people took of the spoil, sheep and oxen, the chief of the things which should have been utterly destroyed, to sacrifice unto the LORD thy God in Gilgal. 1Sam 15:20-21

How pitiful to see a man caught in his disobedience. It would be comical if it weren't so deadly serious in its consequences. And if it didn't strike so close to home: on our own door step!

Samuel has made Saul aware of his lack of obedience. But Saul presses on. Of course he and the people spared the best of the animals. Why waste such a wonderful offering for the LORD! All these good, healthy animals. Surely, he tried to persuade Samuel, the LORD would be pleased with such a great offering! Yes, I spared Agag, but we destroyed all the rest of the nation of Amalek. That has to count as a great achievement! Surely the LORD will see the intent of our hearts!

The saddest part of this encounter is that Saul probably did believe what he said. He actually thought that he had done what the LORD wanted. No wonder the LORD warns us in Jeremiah 17:9 that the heart is deceitful above all things! Moses warned Israel not to do that which is right in their own eyes (Deu 12:8). It was the bad days of the book of judges when men trusted their own judgment (Judges 17:6; 21:25). The fool thinks his way is right; it is the wise man that listens to good counsel (Pro 12:15). And by nature all men are prone to think that their way is right, while the LORD judges their hearts (Pro 21:2).

Our hearts, by nature, are foolish. If a perfect man (Adam) could sin rebelliously and foolishly against the LORD, how quickly will we fall. Get it straight; your and my deviations from God's command is NOT a better idea! It is suicidal madness! We are NOT smarter or more holy than the Most High.

Brethren, the ONLY safe way is to follow the LORD's instructions exactly! DO NOT THINK! OBEY!!!