95% obedience is 5% short

SCRIPTURE
"Moses and Aaron went from the assembly to the entrance to the Tent of Meeting and fell facedown, and the glory of the LORD appeared to them. The LORD said to Moses, "Take the staff, and you and your brother Aaron gather the assembly together. Speak to that rock before their eyes and it will pour out its water. You will bring water out of the rock for the community so they and their livestock can drink." So Moses took the staff from the LORD's presence, just as he commanded him. He and Aaron gathered the assembly together in front of the rock and Moses said to them, "Listen, you rebels, must we bring you water out of this rock?" Then Moses raised his arm and struck the rock twice with his staff. Water gushed out, and the community and their livestock drank. But the LORD said to Moses and Aaron, "Because you did not trust in me enough to honor me as holy in the sight of the Israelites, you will not bring this community into the land I give them." (Numbers 20:6-12)

OBSERVATION
In the world, it's often seen as a good thing to be individualistic and rebellious in our actions, thoughts and life. Moses learned (the hard way) a critical lesson. Even in the little things, obedience to God matters. It seems Moses had an attitude against the complaining Israelites. God was clear with His instruction (which He always is), and Moses did 95% of what God had commanded. But 95% obedience is still 5% short...and we call that disobedience. God answered Moses and directed him to take his staff and speak to the rock to pour forth water. God was faithful in causing the water to pour forth, however, Moses paid the price of not being God's chosen leader to lead the Israelites into the promise land. Disobedience is expensive.

APPLICATION
How often do I do things my own way? How often do I only put 95% into my obedience of God? And closely tied to that disobedience, I'm wondering which challenges and obstacles in my life are connected to my disobedience? It is so easy to let external matters with people, situations and my own selfishness cause me to do things my way, often regretting my actions and words. When reading the scripture the first time, I missed the fact that God said, "speak" and Moses instead "struck" the rock, using excessive force. Am I at times excessive in my ways because of external influences, people and situations, or do I use the appropriate approach and attitude? God is speaking to me through these scriptures to be careful to listen to His still voice and to be discerning so that I am living and acting by His will prompted by the Holy Spirit rather then my selfish quick-to-react ways. Especially as a leader, I need to know how my words and actions can influence people.

PRAYER
Dear Lord, may I be a man after your heart that is 100% obedient, following your direction in spite of my self-centered character. Guide my mind, heart, speech and actions to follow You in all Your ways. Search me and know my heart. Thank You for Your grace for the times I am disobedient. I want to honor You in all I say and do.