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Our text today is Judges 18:2-6.

So the people of Dan sent five able men from the whole number of their tribe, from Zorah and from Eshtaol, to spy out the land and to explore it. And they said to them, "Go and explore the land." And they came to the hill country of Ephraim, to the house of Micah, and lodged there. When they were by the house of Micah, they recognized the voice of the young Levite. And they turned aside and said to him, "Who brought you here? What are you doing in this place? What is your business here?" And he said to them, "This is how Micah dealt with me: he has hired me, and I have become his priest." And they said to him, "Inquire of God, please, that we may know whether the journey on which we are setting out will succeed." And the priest said to them, "Go in peace. The journey on which you go is under the eye of the Lord." — Judges 18:2-6

The Danite scouts stop by Micah's house, meet his Levite-for-hire, and ask three questions that sound curious but expose their compromise:

1. "Who brought you here?"
2. "What are you doing in this place?"
3. "Why are you here?"

Not one of those questions mentions God. They're interested in Micah, not in God. It's a spiritual conversation with no Spirit in it.

If this Levite had been faithful, he would have responded very differently:

1. You would go where God sends, not where you choose.
2. You wouldn't stay in a house filled with idols.
3. You would claim the land God already gave you, not shop for easy pickings.

But instead, the Levite answers, "Micah has done these things for me."
Not "God brought me." Not "I serve the Lord." Just "Micah." His allegiance—and his paycheck—come from the same source.

The Danites and the Levite both prove the same point: they're using spiritual language to hide spiritual rebellion. The Levite blesses their mission; they leave feeling "confirmed." But it's all self-validation dressed up in spiritual garb.

We do the same when we call it "discernment," but it's really rationalization. When we pray, not to surrender, but to get reassurance. When we say, "God's got this," but never ask if God is sending us.

Faith without conviction always drifts toward convenience. And convenience disguised as faith is still disobedience.

ASK THIS:

1. Are you seeking God's will—or His approval of your will?
2. Have you ever asked God to bless what He never called you to do?
3. Where have you replaced obedience with rationalization?
4. Who in your life tells you truth instead of what you want to hear?

DO THIS:

• Pause before your next big decision—ask, "Is this obedience or convenience?"
• Read Proverbs 3:5–6 and invite God to redirect you.
• Seek counsel from someone who tells you truth, not comfort.

PRAY THIS:

Lord, forgive me for blessing my own plans in Your name. Teach me to ask Your questions, listen for Your answers, and follow where You lead. Amen.

PLAY THIS:

"What I Needed."