“You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free! But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather serve one another humbly” - Gal 5:13 (NIV)

Freedom is something we all desire. Yet sometimes when treated casually, without responsibility, freedom can be a cause of our downfall.

Once upon a time there were the children of the prophet Eli (1 Sam 12). It appears by all accounts that as a father Eli must have been most gentle with his children providing them with all their needs. This eventually they abused, often grabbing to gorge on meat meant for sacrifice (v 17), going even as far as sleeping with women who served at the entrance of the tent of meeting (v 22). And when their father brought to their attention his displeasure, “why do you do such things? I hear from all the people these wicked deeds of yours “(v23); they seemed not moved.

Eli’s sons were scoundrels; they had no regard for the Lord” (I Sam 2:12, NIV). Subsequently, the Lord would punish them severely (I Sam 12:34).

If the Lord has given us not just freedom but to enjoy the pleasures of life, we must not be forgetful of our obligations too. We must honor the Lord in all we do. This also follows with guiding all those who are under our charge as was expected of prophet Eli. Left unrestrained we might end up experiencing the heavy hand of the Lord as befell the house of prophet Eli.

Prayer for today: Lord Father in heaven, today I pray in the mighty name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, that while I enjoy that freedom and blessings of life in you I may never take it all for granted to loose sense of honoring you at all time.