Text: 1 Samuel 2:12 NKJV
Further Reading: 1 Samuel 2:12-36
Now the sons of Eli were corrupt; they did not know the Lord.
1 Samuel 2:12 NKJV
MESSAGE
Yesterday we spoke extensively on God’s desire for us to be different in this present world as believers. While some people may think it is impossible, the Bible gave us example after example of men who were different despite all odds.
Today we will consider one of such men and how he distinguished himself amid corruption as a man of God. Towards the end of his life, he finished with this testimony – Behold, here I am: witness against me before the LORD, and before his anointed: whose ox have I taken? or whose ass have I taken? or whom have I defrauded? whom have I oppressed? or of whose hand have I received any bribe to blind mine eyes therewith? and I will restore it you.
1 Samuel 12:3 KJV
Samuel grew up in the house of God in Shiloh but in the same place were the godless sons of Eli, Hophni and Phineas. The Bible told us that these two sons of Eli did wicked things before the Lord. Even though Samuel had every excuse to be wicked, he was different.
But how did he manage to be different, why did he not succumb to the evil influence of these two sinful priests? A personal commitment to do God’s will must have been the force driving Samuel. In another place, we saw Samuel’s hatred for sin and this is a key takeaway from his life.
Moreover, as for me, God forbid that I should sin against the LORD in ceasing to pray for you: but I will teach you the good and the right way:
1 Samuel 12:23 KJV
Any believer who will dare to be different must hate not only sin but also every of its appearance. We have a helping grace of God through Jesus Christ that gives us the ability to say no to sin (Titus 2:11). Always remember that Jesus never died for you to remain and continue in sin but that you should be freed from the damnation of hell awaiting all those who reject Christ.
I don’t know what your excuse is, would you blame your present way on the wrong influence in your life. You must still be different for God. If others are living beneath the life of Christ, you must make it a priority to live for him.
Note: the world is waiting for someone with godly influence and value. They are in serious disarray because a different Christian has not yet come to the centre stage. Will that saint be you? This will not just happen by a mere wish but by being intentional about it.
REFLECTION
For we know that the whole creation groans and labors with birth pangs together until now.
Romans 8:22 NKJV
Our world is seriously waiting to see different crops of saints. They are in pain, misery, and woe, don’t keep them waiting.
PRAYER
Father, please help me to be intentional about my Christian faith and to be different for God so that many more souls will be brought into the life of Christ.
