God is looking for right outcomes achieved in the right way. The Lord doesn’t subscribe to the popular belief that the end justifies the means. Not in my Christian life. Not in business. Not in politics. Not ever. We may have gotten what we wanted, but how we got it is just as important as what we got. Achieving positive outcomes and results never negates the requirement to do so in an honourable way.
Remember – Right but Wrong. In but Out. Won but Lost
Consider this hypothetical conversation among friends:
Franklin didn't need any coaxing. He jumped in with both feet and launched a robust defence of his work: "Definitely! The end justifies the means. As long as I am achieving a good outcome, it matters very little how I do it. I firmly believe the results are more important than the process I use to achieve them. The results are obvious. Don't knock something that works."
"Wow! He's on a roll. I can't get a word in edgeways," Trevor said to his wife. "His self-defence is spewing out like lava. And really, it's hard to argue against what he's saying. Things are happening for him. Just look at the statistics. The facts speak for themselves. We're going nowhere fast, but things are booming in his camp."
Melanie whispered to Trevor: "Dear, the methods we use to accomplish our goals are as important as the attainment of those goals. Both are necessary."
In 1 Samuel chapter 13, the people of Israel were shaking with fear. They were hiding in caves, in pits and in bushes. Terrified!! The enemy was very strong. The Philistines had a very distinct military advantage over them.
Samuel, God’s prophet, told King Saul he’d meet him at Gilgal the very next week. King Saul was looking forward to the prophet performing the priestly function of offering a sacrifice to the Lord at such a critical time. But in a crisis, seven days is an exceedingly long time. The King’s soldiers were dropping off like flies – fleeing. Scared stiff! Saul’s already weak army was rapidly shrinking.
When Prophet Samuel didn’t show up on Day 7, the King took matters into his own hands. He could wait no longer. It was time for action. The King himself found an acceptable animal and took it to the altar as a burnt offering to the Lord. But just as the smoke was rising from the sacrifice, who arrives but Samuel himself! He looks at the King and asks the troubling question: “What have you done?!!”
What had King Saul done? A good thing was done in a wrong way. A burnt offering to the Lord in a time of crisis was a good thing to do. But with the Lord, ‘how’ things are done is as critical as ‘what’ is done.
King Saul violated God’s laws (Deuteronomy 12:5-14) and disobeyed Samuel’s instructions (1 Samuel 10:8). King Saul was not a priest – not a Levite. He had no business offering up the burnt offering. As much as God appreciates sacrifices, He values obedience more. The end did not justify the means. The curling smoke ascending from the slain animal looked good, but the Lord was not pleased in the least! The King was wrong.
Short-term gain often results in long-term pain. Samuel the prophet delivered heavy news to the King.
You have acted foolishly; you have not kept the commandment of the LORD your God, which He commanded you, for now the LORD would have established your kingdom over Israel forever. “But now your kingdom shall not endure. 1Samuel 13:13-14
There’s a price to pay for not waiting. There will be fallout when we take matters into our own hands. There are consequences when a right thing is done in a wrong way. Disobedience exacts a heavy toll. Things might seem good to us and look good in our eyes, but the Lord will be the judge of our service. Remember, the Lord is interested in more than the results. He is interested in how we honoured Him throughout every step of the process in achieving those results.
One more thought about King Saul, just two chapters after the incident referenced above, Saul produced great results but disobeyed the Lord in the process. It was on this occasion that Samuel said:
Has 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 listen than the fat of rams. 1 Samuel 15:22
Right but Wrong. In but Out. First but Last. Won but Lost
Check out this story on our website: Who’s Who in the Cemetery? “Jesus Loves Me”
The Apostle Paul reminded Timothy of the need to achieve positive outcomes in a legitimate manner.
If anyone competes as an athlete, he does not win the prize unless he competes according to the rules. 2Timothy 2:5
Getting to the Finish Line first is important – but obeying the rules of the race is not a factor to be overlooked. In but out. First but last. Won but lost.
Don’t hesitate to share a thought from your personal experience or a verse that has been a blessing to you – in the comment section below. Or, if you would like to reach out privately, click below.
