Listening and obeying instructions are two of the most difficult things for humans to do.

While in our mother’s womb we were programmed to receive everything that we wanted on time and without hesitation. This habit continues in the newborn and throughout the baby stage.

However, as soon as we get older, parents expect their children to change their habits of receiving on demand. But, this cannot happen overnight.

Parents must teach their children to wait, listen and obey.

Unfortunately, some children refused to learn or they were not taught properly, so they grew into adulthood with a selfish, stubborn and disobedient attitude.

King Saul, the first king of Israel, had a difficult time obeying God. He felt that it was more important to save the best animals to sacrifice to God instead of destroying all of them as God commanded him to do. Consequently, the king failed due to his disobedience and he lost the throne (see 1 Samuel 15).

Failure often results from disobedience.

And Samuel said, hath the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams. (1 Samuel 15:22)

If you are struggling with listening and obeying, there is still hope because God can change your attitude if you allow Him to do so. He will teach you how to listen and obey His voice.

“Now, therefore, listen to me, my children, for blessed are those who keep my ways. Hear instruction and be wise, and do not disdain it. Blessed is the man who listens to me, watching daily at my gates, waiting at the posts of my doors. For whoever finds me finds life, and obtains favor from the Lord; (Proverbs 8:32-35)