Who Wants a King?

The people wanted a King. They didn't like being "different" from the ungodly nations that surrounded them (1 Samuel 8:6-7). 

Samuel, God's anointed prophet, explained it wasn't God's will for them to have a king, and they'd give up many of their freedoms if they had one. 

"But the people refused to listen to Samuel. 'No!' they said. 'We want a king over us. Then we will be like all the other nations..." (8:19-20). 

The people thought their request was reasonable: Samuel's sons weren't worthy to lead (as if God couldn't raise up a worthy prophet to follow Samuel). And a king would help them win wars (as if God's help wasn't enough).

The people wanted conformity more than they wanted God (8:6-9).

We do this same thing when we refuse to stand against culturally acceptable sins or when we think being a Christian should make us attractive and popular. 

But Scripture warns against conformity:

"Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will." Romans 12:2

We can fit in or we can serve King Jesus. It's our choice.

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You can to do a Bite Size Bible Study on this devotion HERE. 

 

For other 1-minute devotions on the benefits of non-conformity, check out:

The Choice is Yours 

Is Jesus Likable?

"I'm Swimming Upstream."

It's also a great time to buy Wisdom for Life because of the great sales on on Lifeway, Amazon, and CBD.