“For those who honor me I will honor, but those who despise me will be disgraced.” (v. 30)

When this verse is given, the context is decidedly negative:

Eli, the priest, has a problem with his sons. They have been appointed as priests, also—but they are wicked, selfish, and indulgent. Hence, the judgment: It is only those who honor God that will be honored by Him.

When those words illuminate the judgment you deserve, they’re pretty negative.

But…can we read them positively? Is it biblically in-bounds to see these words as the foundation of a remarkable grace? Are we permitted to apply them diligently, trusting that God will indeed honor those who honor Him, thereby giving us a good goal and a high hope for our own moral activity?

I think so.

The God who knows how to give good gifts also trusts those who prove trustworthy. Eli’s sons give us a negative illustration. May we seek to apply it positively.

— Tyler