“I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.”

Galatians 2:20

Saul was the first king of Israel. He looked (physically) like a good king. However, his true nature was soon revealed. The most devastating thing that happened with King Saul was that he chose to do what he wanted to do instead of obeying God’s Word. When he disobeyed God, and did not repent for that disobedience, Samuel (God’s prophet) told King Saul that God was going to take the kingdom from him and give it to another – a man who would choose to please God more than himself.

Years later, King Saul saw the Philistines, the enemy, gather against Israel. Saul was afraid. When he inquired of the Lord (wanting help for the battle), the Lord answered him not. See why God does not answer those who choose to live for themselves instead of obeying God’s Word. “28. Then shall they call upon me, but I will not answer; they shall seek me early, but they shall not find me: 29. For that they hated knowledge, and did not choose the fear of the LORD: 30. They would none of my counsel: they despised all my reproof. 31. Therefore shall they eat of the fruit of their own way, and be filled with their own devices” (Proverbs 1:28-31). God would not even speak to King Saul because he had chosen to disregard God in his life. It was at this point that Saul learned a Word from God (through Samuel, the prophet). Samuel said that Saul and three of his sons would die in that battle with the Philistines, and the kingdom would be given to David, one who would obey God and do His will.

King Saul, along with three of his sons, died in battle with the Philistines the next day.

Moreover, David became the king of Israel. David became the greatest king Israel had because he sought to please God. This fact is reiterated in the New Testament. “And when he had removed him (King Saul), he raised up unto them David to be their king; to whom also he gave testimony, and said, I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after mine own heart, which shall fulfil all my will” (Acts 13:22). King David sought to please God.  

This should be a mighty example for anyone who chooses to do what they want to do instead of what God’s Word says they are to do. Because of Saul’s disobedience, he lost his life and his kingdom.

Although the life of King Saul gives a mighty example of choosing to please God, not self, the following verse should be foremost in our hearts and minds. “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me” (Galatians 2:20). I am not to do what I want, for I am crucified with Christ (this means that I put my selfish desires to death, choosing instead to please God). I am to live a life pleasing to God, by the faith I received because I believe in Jesus, God’s Son – the One who gave His life for me.

Have you crucified your selfish desires to live a life pleasing to God?