Do you worship your Family?

1 Samuel 2:29 Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)

29 Why, then, do all of you despise My sacrifices and offerings that I require at the place of worship? You have honored your sons more than Me, by making yourselves fat with the best part of all of the offerings of My people Israel.’

I definitely love my Family. They mean more to me than nearly anything on this Earth. BUT, I certainly place my relationship with the LORD above my family. My priority is serving the LORD first and above all else. Satan tries to confuse me about this. I was just reading the story of Eli and his sons. He certainly loved his sons and he loved the Lord. His actions demonstrated his priority was NOT the Lord. He knew they were doing wrong, he approached them about it, but then threw up his hands and ignored it. On the other hand Hannah, the mother of Samuel, put the Lord first. So much so that she gave up her one and only son to serve the Lord. 

(Wait, that sounds a lot like what our Father in Heaven did for us!) 

When she gave up Samuel to live a life of service,  she was blessed abundantly and Samuel flourished in his role. Hannah got it! She had her priorities right.

Many people put their families above all else. They dedicate every waking moment serving their family. Many Christians justify this through their faith. Most will SAY the Lord is number ONE, but their actions show otherwise. Their busyness taking care of their families prevents them from prayer time, studying God's word, and worshipping. They build FRIEND RELATIONSHIPS with their kids instead of holding them to a high standard. They don't want to punish, just like Eli, because they dearly love their kids. Eli gave "lip service" in his dedication to the Lord. But, when it came down to the tough decision,  his family was first. 

I pray we all can get our priorities straight. I believe the Lord will honor our dedication to him by BLESSING OUR FAMILIES beyond our wildest expectations. Hannah ended up with a house full of kids. Her sacrifice to the Lord and placing HIM above all else made her life full of joy and laughter. Praise God for my family and above all the Love of My Savior Jesus!