As Serious As Witchcraft or Idol Worship

Samuel rebuked King Saul for picking and choosing which of God's instructions he would follow. Saul stubbornly defended himself (1 Samuel 15).

Then Samuel said, "Rebellion is as sinful as witchcraft, and stubbornness as bad as worshiping idols" (1 Samuel 15:23). 

Saul insincerely apologized, and God removed his anointing from Saul that day.

Christians understand the serious nature of witchcraft and idol worship – but do we understand the serious nature of rebellion and stubbornness?

Just as King Saul amended God's instructions to please his men (1 Samuel 15:24), many professing Christians amend God's commands to please peers, culture, or their sinful desires. 

They argue their twisted views as stubbornly as Saul argued his.

Culture promotes foul language, drunkenness, focus on outward appearance, materialism, premarital sex, homosexuality, transgenderism, and other evils.

Professing Christians who defend any of these things are in stubborn rebellion against God and His Word.

We must guard our hearts against rebellion and stubbornness as seriously as we guard against witchcraft and idolatry. 
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Note: This and other passages in Scripture tell us that God considers some sins more serious than others. Unfortunately, there is a false belief circulating among Christians that all sins are equal in God's eyes. Read what Scripture actually teaches about this subject: All Sins Are Not The Same

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To read Saul's ridiculous excuses: Short List
To read more about Saul's rebellion: Partial Obedience
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