Now the Lord declares: “Far be it from me! Those who honor me I will honor, but those who despise me will be disdained.” (1 Sam. 2:30)
THE HONORS SUMMER THEATER brought a half-dozen of us student actors together with just eight stage techs for a whirlwind six-week program. That meant it also brought fourteen highly developed artistic egos into the same room for ten to twelve hours each day. The program’s director was a seasoned writer and director. He was friendly, approachable, and knew his stuff. One of my acting colleagues, however, thought differently. She thought she knew more at age sixteen than did the director with forty years of professional work, and let everyone in the program know it. She was certainly skilled onstage, but because she refused to honor the simplest requests the director made, her lead role was given to another actress who was more cooperative.
The sons of Eli had a priestly heritage on their side, but their promiscuous and prideful behavior dishonored not only their father, but also God. God warned them that they must not take advantage of their position, but instead honor God with their actions. Eli’s sons refused to change, and lost everything.
I never found out what happened to my very talented peer who wouldn’t take direction. I do know, however, that in life we need to give the Director the honor of taking His instructions to heart to receive the honor of better roles and greater challenges.
This week, honor God by acting on one specific direction He has given you.
Steve Wamberg is a husband, dad, writer, and pastor who loves his wife, kids and their spouses, preaching, teaching, music, coffee, friends, and Nebraska football.
