Daily Reading: 1 Samuel chapters 5 thru 8

Key Verses: 1 Samuel 8:5-7

We often experience a need for change.  We too often look at the external for our solution.  The people of Israel blamed their problems on Samuel's sons because of their corrupt behavior.  They decided that there needed to be a change in the system.  The real problem was not with the sons of Samuel although they were dishonest.  The problem was with the heart of the Israeli people.  They continued to turn away from God and sought to conform to the surrounding nations.  On this occassion, they decided that they needed to have a king because everyone else had a king.

Samuel warned the people that a king would mean the lost of freedom.  He explained that the king would seek to glorify himself at their expense.  The warning did not affect their decision.  They rather be in bondage to a king to be like everyone else than to be different and live a life of freedom. 

How much do we resemble Israel?  Is it more important to be in bondage to appearances to keep up with "the Jones?"  Or do we risk being different by dedicating our lives to God?  If you are currently seeking change in your life, look inward instead of outward.  It may not be that there needs to be a change in your situation but you may need a change of heart.