As you study Samuel's story, you will learn of Eli, the priest, and his sons.
These sons were everything priests were not supposed to be, using their positions to obtain food, women and anything else they wanted.
A man of God confronted Eli about his sons' actions, and he just offered lip service to try to stop their improper behavior.
With a stronger reaction, Eli could have brought about a change in his history of him and his sons. But he chose to not bring them under submission.
As a result, their repetitive debauchery ended in judgment.
Lifestyle trends that draw us away from God; comfort in sin; and daily routines that take time from our relationship with God present challenges, but we can overcome them.
Paul stated that he had to die daily — that is, give things to the Master's leadership and command.
Not only is He our Blessed Redeemer, but in order for us to stay on the right path of our journey, we must make Him Lord and Master over all that we do. If not, correction and judgment will come, for He corrects those He loves.
We must bring all that we have and lay it at Jesus' feet, then allow Him to correct the path and shake us for His kingdom.
Rev. Richard Helms serves at Miracle Acres Ministries, 3187 E. James Lee Blvd., Crestview.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: HELMS: Overcoming sin is challenging, but possible