I've been going through the book of 1st Samuel and have really appreciated the contrasts we see.
Hannah, Samuel's mother is full of faith and so thankful for God's provision in her life, specifically a son. While Eli seems to forget he even has sons. Samuel begins at a young age ministering before the Lord as Eli's sons devour the sacrifices and threaten force on anyone who would oppose their demands.
Through all of this we see four principles quickly emerge and will continue to be present throughout the remainder of the book.
Character, Conduct, Context and Consistency are all vital elements in our lives but I will sum it up for you in one sentence. Your actions speak louder than your words. Regardless of what your mouth says your actions tell people what you stand for or don't stand for.
Let me give you an example. Let's say that you live in a country that has certain unalienable rights, and that government begins to overflow like a backed up sour and starts mandating and controlling private enterprises. Sure they will give you some sort of fluffy, "it's for your own good" excuse but you know better. Next thing you know is this government has shut down factories for "save the earth" type of reasons which make no sense other than a padded wallet and controlling more industry.
If such a government were to exist, ah hem, then would it be reasonable to say that we wouldn't trust a word from the "gas bags"? I think so! You can see the importance of consistency in behaviors, character and conduct as you place things within the proper context.
Thank fully we live in the United States where we can speak freely until they shut your website down, carry guns without ammo, run a business as long as it is the way they want you to run it, and raise your children as long as they are on loan to you from big brother.
Just a warning my friend these are the signs of the times. If it smells like a skunk, looks like a skunk ....
anyone care to argue that character, conduct and consistency have to be a priority. The context and filter by which we process must be through the eyes of truth. That is one thing you will not find in Washington but you will in the Word of God. Pick up a copy and start reading today before it is taken from you. Think I'm being extreme, look around the world and check your history!
Don't give up, you cannot quite, to much is at stake. Follow Christ!
Till next time
P.M.
