When Samuel declared to Saul, “The LORD has torn the kingdom of Israel from you and given it to your neighbor who is better than you” (1 Samuel 15:28), the issue was not background, ability, or tribe. It was obedience
Israel demanded a king so they could be like other nations, despite God being their true King. Saul, coming from the smallest tribe, doubting himself, and feeling unqualified, was still chosen and anointed. The Spirit of God came upon him, he prophesied, and he was fully equipped for kingship. God qualified him the moment He called him.
But along the journey, Saul grew comfortable. His dependence on God diminished, and disobedience took root. And because of that, he lost the kingdom. Not due to weakness. Not due to inability. But due to the absence of obedience.
This truth is sobering:
Obedience is what makes a person promotable in God’s kingdom. Disobedience is what makes a person replaceable.
Why Do We Still Fail at Obedience?
Even when they know it matters to God?
1. Obedience requires surrender.
It asks us to lay down our will, pride, convenience, timing, and preferences. Adam and Eve knew God’s command, but the desire to control their own lives overpowered obedience.
2. Obedience is costly.
It rarely feels good upfront. Abraham obeyed and left everything familiar. Noah obeyed and endured mockery. Joseph obeyed and endured injustice. Many people want God’s promises without God’s process.
3. Obedience demands trust.
At the core of every act of disobedience is this belief:
“My way is safer than God’s way.”
This was Saul’s problem. Fear of people outweighed fear of God, and trust broke down, leading to compromise. and that’s why he was told, I have chosen someone better than you
The Fruit of Obedience
Throughout Scripture, obedience is always tied to elevation:
- Abraham obeyed → became father of nations.
- Joseph obeyed → rose from prison to prime minister.
- David obeyed in secret → God trusted him in public.
- Jesus obeyed fully → exalted above every name.
And disobedience has predictable outcomes:
- Saul → kingdom torn away.
- Samson → strength and influence lost.
- Israel → destiny delayed 40 years.
Your next level is always connected to your level of obedience. Become better that you were yesterday!
Obedience and Discipline: Both Make YOU Irreplaceable
Obedience opens the door to destiny.
Discipline keeps you in the room.
Obedience is a moment.
DISCIPLINE is a lifestyle.
Obedience says “Yes, Lord.”
Discipline says “Yes, Lord; every day.”
David wasn’t just obedient; he was disciplined. He worshipped consistently, prayed consistently, fought consistently, served consistently. Joseph wasn’t just obedient; he was disciplined in purity, integrity, and excellence. Jesus wasn’t just obedient; He disciplined His life around His assignment.
Obedience begins your journey. Discipline sustains your elevation.
Together, they make you irreplaceable.
Saul’s story reminds us that God does not promote according to gifting, charisma, or background; He promotes according to obedience. And He sustains destinies through discipline.
If you desire to rise, if you long to become the best version of yourself, if you want to walk in a destiny God Himself can trust you with:
Choose obedience.
Choose discipline.
Choose the path that heaven always rewards.
It is the path that never fails because if not someone better than you is waiting to replace you.