1 Samuel 2:12 (NLT) states, “Now the sons of Eli were scoundrels who had no respect for the Lord.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Let me emphasize, I\u2019m not the one calling them scoundrels\u2014it is Jesus Himself. Jesus, the Word of God, uses this term to describe them. I looked up the meaning of a scoundrel, and it describes someone who is dishonorable, deceitful, or morally corrupt. This person behaves unethically, showing no regard for honesty or integrity. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
With a show of hands, how many of us have met someone like this? I certainly have, and they are not the kind of people you\u2019d want to keep close. They can drain you emotionally and spiritually.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Have you ever met someone who has absolutely no regard for the things of God? Not even a shred of gratitude for the one who gives them life and free oxygen to breathe? These people exist, and some walk among us. You probably know one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Let\u2019s explore what the sons of Eli did.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
1 Samuel 2:13 (NLT) says, “or for their duties as priests. Whenever anyone offered a sacrifice, Eli\u2019s sons would send over a servant with a three-pronged fork. While the meat of the sacrificed animal was still boiling\u2026”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
These men had been called to priesthood, a sacred and honorable duty, yet they had no regard for their responsibilities. They were priests by calling, but their hearts were far from God. They despised their work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Think about it\u2014how many people pray for years asking God to reveal their purpose, to grant them work, or to bless them with opportunities? And here were the sons of Eli, privileged with priesthood, treating their calling with contempt. How often do we behave similarly? God entrusts us with jobs, families, and ministries, but we neglect these blessings, treating them as if they were burdens.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In my 18 years of hiring and working with domestic staff, I often reminded them that their jobs were blessings from God. Many others could have had the same opportunity, but it was entrusted to them. Treating your role\u2014any role\u2014with respect and honor is crucial.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Eli\u2019s sons displayed greed, which is already sinful. They demanded things prematurely and stole what wasn\u2019t yet theirs. 1 Samuel 2:14-15 (NLT) explains: “The servant would stick the fork into the pot and demand that whatever it brought up be given to Eli\u2019s sons. All the Israelites who came to worship at Shiloh were treated this way. Sometimes the servant would come even before the animal\u2019s fat had been burned on the altar. He would demand raw meat before it had been boiled so that it could be used for roasting.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Their greed led them to treat God\u2019s offerings with contempt. Even though the sacrifices were meant for them to eat, they behaved as if they were stealing, demanding portions before the fat was burned, which was against God\u2019s instructions. Their actions weren\u2019t just greedy; they were disrespectful to God and the people they served.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This reminds me of behaviors I\u2019ve seen among employees\u2014stealing from their employers, not because they lacked, but because of entitlement or carelessness. I remember a time when downloading movies using an employer\u2019s Wi-Fi was common among staff. I was part of that, too. It seemed harmless at the time, but looking back, it was dishonorable. Today, resources like Netflix have made it easier to access content legally, but the lesson remains\u2014treat what you\u2019ve been entrusted with respect and integrity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
1 Samuel 2:16-17 (NLT) says, “The man offering the sacrifice might reply, ‘Take as much as you want, but the fat must be burned first.’ Then the servant would demand, ‘No, give it to me now, or I\u2019ll take it by force.’ So the sin of these young men was very serious in the Lord\u2019s sight, for they treated the Lord\u2019s offerings with contempt.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Their behavior escalated to force and violence, showing complete disregard for the sacredness of their duties. God saw their actions as very serious sins.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Reflect on this\u2014how many of us behave like the sons of Eli? How often do we treat God\u2019s blessings with contempt? We take what we\u2019ve been given\u2014a job, a family, time, or resources\u2014and misuse or devalue them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The sons of Eli remind us to be stewards, not owners. Everything we have is from God, given for a purpose and a season. Treating these blessings with respect and gratitude ensures we honor God. The parable of the talents comes to mind\u2014the one who buried his talent showed contempt for his master\u2019s gift and lost it. But the one who valued what he was given received even more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
As we approach the new year, let this be a season of gratitude. Instead of focusing on what we lack, let\u2019s commit to daily thanksgiving for what God has done. Even in the face of loss, there\u2019s always something to thank God for. Gratitude shifts our perspective and opens the door to greater blessings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Let\u2019s carry this mindset into 2025: “I will enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise.” May we learn from the story of Eli\u2019s sons and resolve to honor God with everything He has entrusted to us.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Have a beautiful day. \ud83d\udda4 <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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