Faith or Superstition

Religious activity does not always reflect true faith. An example of that is King Saul sacrificing to God without authority - it seemed to be pious, but it was mere superstition. What a contrast was his son Jonathan! He said, "It makes no difference to the LORD to save by many or by few", and that expressed true godliness. King Saul's unauthorised sacrifice was symptomatic of his attitude to God. He disobeyed God's Law regarding sacrifice (and disobedience was the cause of Israel's trouble). Therefore his offering was not done in faith; it was an attempt to manipulate God, something akin to the religion of the surrounding nations. We should beware of doing the same - when we think of faith as making ourselves believe God will give us what we want instead of finding and pleading his promises. Jonathan attacked the Philistine garrison because he recognised the LORD as being in covenant with his people and therefore trustworthy. He took a risk, showing that faith is not about personal fulfilment but always has a regard to the honour of God or the good of others. Faith is about stewardship; superstition is about self. Faith is about relationship; superstition is about manipulation. Faith obeys God's Word; superstition disregards it.