Knowing better...

Had a haircut yesterday. And got someone who was willing to chat...

This is a part of the conversations that we had:

Me: So, did you learn hairdressing here or in Korea?
S (initial of her first name): Korea. I used to work in (...)
M: Sorry? (she was drying my hair and I couldn't hear her properly)
S: Yeah, I used to work (...) and (...)
[I could heard it second time, but names weren't familiar]
M: Sorry, I don't know those places...
S: OMG! You don't know (...)?! It costs more than $100 to get a haircut there!!
[sorry for the phrase, but that's what she said to express her unbelief at my ignorance!]

I felt really bad... so I told her that I don't know much about beauty places...

Anyway, she couldn't believe that I didn't know those places. =) I guess, I'm lucky she did my haircut for much less than $100 (not even half of it) then? =)

This morning though, even though the haircut was really good, I realised that she didn't actually give me the haircut that I wanted (!) - one that I asked from her...

Was that because she thought she knew that this is a better haircut and wanted to do me a favour? Or was it because she wanted to show me how good she is (even before our conversation)?

I know it wasn't the unclear instruction as I told her clearly what I didn't want her to do with my hair... =)

Whatever the reason, I couldn't help but think of Saul in 1 Samuel 13... and how much we can be like Saul in our attitude and response to what God asks of us...

See, Saul knew that he was not supposed to offer the sacrifice in Samuel's place. It wasn't as if he didn't know. He knew, but he thought he knew better... Maybe he thought he was a king already - so full of himself - that he forgot that God was the one who made him King...

It's good that I don't mind this haircut though this is not what I asked for... Besides, there is not much harm in not listening to me - other than losing me as a customer, maybe - but unlikely in this case...

But offending God has MUCH greater consequences! God took the kingdom away from Saul!

Made me thinking...

Is there a time when I thought I know better than God? And do something that He doesn't ask me but something that I thought would be good for Him?

Is there a time when I am so proud in my achievements or possessions (whatever it is) or when I am so sure of myself that I think I would "do God a favour" by doing "something extra" for Him?

Is there a time when I think my judgement is better than Him?

Psalm 40: 6-8

6Sacrifice and offering you have not desired,
but you have given me an open ear.
Burnt offering and sin offering
you have not required.
7Then I said, "Behold, I have come;
in the scroll of the book it is written of me:
8I desire to do your will, O my God;
your law is within my heart."