Devotion:
Read 1 Samuel 3:1-10.
Samuel’s mother had dedicated him to God, presenting him to Eli to work and serve in the house of the Lord. Unlike Eli’s sons, who served as priests but did not treat their sacred duties with honor and respect, young Samuel showed tremendous respect for Eli. When Samuel heard God calling his name in the night, Samuel assumed it was Eli calling and ran to him to see what Eli needed from him. This happened three times, with Samuel assuming each time that Eli needed him for something, and he went humbly and obediently to serve his master. It would have been easily understandable if Samuel had decided after a couple of those calls to ignore old Eli and stay in bed. When Samuel finally understood, with Eli’s help, that it was God calling out to him, Samuel was prepared to humbly serve God.
Samuel’s respect for and humble service to Eli prepared him to serve God with humility. All too often, we try to segment our lives into two separate parts: 1) family, friends, work, and school and 2) church and God. We can learn from young Samuel that it does not work so well that way. Our attitudes, love, respect, and humble service of other people help us to humbly love and serve God.
Personal Worship Option:
Pause and reflect today on the ways you show humility. Are there times when you seek credit or publicity or a more notable position? Ask God to help you to be content to serve in the background and in ways that help others without bringing any attention to you. It is the way of Christ!
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