Growing IN FAVOR or DISRESPECT with God

1 Samuel 2:12-26

Inspired thots

A great CONTRAST in two styles of living; Eli's sons who lived disregarding God's laws and Samuel who honored God even at a young age.

Eli's sons:
> had NO regard for the Lord (v12) This is DISHONORING God. It is when they did as they pleased to satisfy themselves.
> treated the Lord's offering with CONTEMPT (v17). This came through NO RESPECT for God and His things. It was Self at work.
> did not listen to their father's rebuke (v25)

Samuel:
> ministered before the Lord in proper attire (v18). Followed the ways of God in serving Him.
> grew up in the Presence of the Lord (v21). God was with the priests as they were to serve Him but Eli's sons missed that. They forgot that and went about their own ways.
> continued to GROW in STATURE and in FAVOR with God and men (v26)

What a DIFFERENCE with men! You have to choose where your FAITH is. You will choose wisely when you remember that God is with you and deserves all Honor, Glory and Respect. How can we sin against Him in His presence when He is with us? Joseph knew it when he rejected Potiphar's wife's advances.

GOD's PRESENCE is WITH US!