In what ways can we avoid "honoring your sons above Me" today? Scripture Background “Why then do you scorn My sacrifice and offering that I have commanded for My dwelling, and honor your sons above Me by fattening yourselves on the choicest of every offering of My people Israel?” (1 Samuel 2:29) Eli’s sons, Hophni and Phinehas, treated the Lord’s offerings with contempt. Eli knew it but chose family peace over faithful correction. God’s rebuke highlights a timeless danger—allowing any human relationship or personal benefit to eclipse loyalty to Him. Understanding the Warning • The issue was not fatherly affection; it was misplaced priority. • God’s honor is first; every other allegiance must align beneath that. • Neglecting God’s commands for the sake of people—no matter how dear—invites judgment (1 Samuel 2:30–34). Modern Parallels: Where We Might Honor Others Above God • Family expectations overriding obedience – Allowing loved ones’ preferences to determine church attendance, giving, or moral choices. – Jesus said, “Anyone who loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me” (Matthew 10:37). • Career and workplace pressure – Compromising integrity to keep a job or please a supervisor. – Colossians 3:23–24 reminds us to “work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord.” • Social acceptance and peer approval – Staying silent on biblical truth to avoid conflict. – Proverbs 29:25: “The fear of man is a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD is set securely on high.” • Personal comfort and convenience – Skipping spiritual disciplines because they disrupt routines. – Matthew 6:33: “Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” • Financial security – Prioritizing saving, spending, or debt payments over generosity to God’s work. – Proverbs 3:9–10: “Honor the LORD with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your harvest.” Practical Steps to Keep God First • Daily Scripture intake – Start and end the day with God’s Word; let it shape decisions (Psalm 119:105). • Regular heart check – Ask: “Is this choice pleasing to God?” before considering others’ opinions (Galatians 1:10). • Courageous, loving confrontation – If family or friends stray, speak truth in love (Ephesians 4:15). • Consistent corporate worship – Prioritize gathering with believers; it recalibrates affections (Hebrews 10:24–25). • Financial firstfruits – Set aside the Lord’s portion before any other expense (Malachi 3:10). • Servant leadership at home – Guide family toward godliness rather than letting them steer you away (Joshua 24:15). Encouraging Promises for Obedience • “Those who honor Me I will honor” (1 Samuel 2:30). • “The LORD bestows favor and honor; no good thing does He withhold from those who walk uprightly” (Psalm 84:11). • “Seek first the kingdom… and all these things will be added to you” (Matthew 6:33). Keeping God’s honor supreme blesses every other relationship and responsibility. |
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