Gospel Reflections #895: It is not perfection, it is growing

1 Samuel 8:3 "But these sons did not follow their father's ways; they sought dishonest gain, took bribes, and perverted justice."

Samuel's sons were not wicked like Eli's sons, but they were dishonest and double-minded.

Though they assisted their father Samuel in his laborious work, their attachment to reward led them to favor dishonest ends.

Samuel should have deeply heeded the warning given to Eli, but he neglected it.

Samuel tended to spoil his sons excessively.

And the result manifested in their character and lifestyle.

This is a painful message for those who have raised children.

Many young people today also seem to misuse the abilities God has given them, and we ourselves are fully capable of that tendency.

When we realize such things, whether we think it's already too late or still cling to God depends on our faith.

God does not demand success or perfection from us.

Rather, when we realize our utter helplessness and foolishness and lift our eyes to God, He will never ignore us.

He gladly receives our intercessory prayers and our cries of weakness.

AUTHOR'S BIO: This Gospel Reflections page is written by Masae San, who resides in Hiroshima, Japan. Masae is a dedicated student of the Bible with a deep passion for the Gospel of Jesus Christ. She shares her daily reflections on Gospel perspectives to reach out to others and spread the message of God's true love through a Christ-centered approach. We are sharing her insights here so that you, too, can experience the joy that comes from knowing and understanding the true Gospel and the love of God through Jesus Christ.