Torn between God and loved ones

August 28th, 2011

Written by Anita Carman
Dear Faithful One,

Have you ever gone along with a loved one who is disobeying God? Perhaps you have a spouse, a child or a close friend who has chosen against God. Let’s look at what God thinks about our choices that side with a loved one against Him.

In the story of Eli and his sons, God said to Eli in 1 Sam 2:29, “…Why do you honor your sons more than me by fattening yourselves on the choice parts of every offering made by my people Israel?” Instead of offering the best parts of the sacrifice to God, Eli followed the sin of his sons and withheld from God what belonged to Him. As a result God said to Eli in 1 Sam 2:30, “…Those who honor me I will honor, but those who despise me will be disdained.” God then pronounced judgment on Eli, his sons and the entire family line. Because of Eli’s sin God said in 1 Sam 2:32-33, “…in your family line there will never be an old man. Every one of you that I do not cut off from my altar will be spared only to blind your eyes with tears and to grieve your heart, and all your descendants will die in the prime of life.”

Oh Faithful One, when torn between our loyalties to a family member, loved one or friend, know that God expects us to choose for Him. God expects our utmost loyalty. Don’t think we are simply keeping the peace by going along with someone who is sinning against God. Instead, let us make the choice that keeps peace between us and God. Is there something you need to do today in order to honor God?

I pray this devotion encouraged you in a special way. When I pray for you, I hear a victory song. I believe in you because I believe in the power of God’s Word in you as you put His Word into action.

Love, Anita