2:301 Samuel 2:30

The word was sent as a reproof to Eli, taking back the earlier promise that his house and his father's house would serve before God forever.SG4 103.3+2
It lays down God's fixed order that those who honor Him He will honor, while those who despise Him will be brought low and counted as of little account.CT 374.1+2
That promise of lasting service was conditional on singleness of heart and honoring God above self, so position, privilege and inherited descent cannot shield the guilty from judgment.ST Sep 2, 1913+2
To honor God is to obey His law and commandments, to stand loyal when iniquity abounds, to confess faith openly, to keep His Sabbath holy, to return tithes and offerings faithfully, and to seek Him in prayer and humble trust.6T 356.4+4
Those who so honor Him He honors with His presence, protection, wisdom, health and prosperity, and at last with eternal glory, as seen in Daniel and his companions in Babylon, while parents and leaders who like Eli indulge and shield wrongdoing bring ruin on themselves and those in their charge.Ms 35, 1890, par. 8+4

The message came as a reproof to Eli through a prophet sent by God, declaring that the earlier word that his house and his father's house would walk before God forever was withdrawn.SG4 103.3+4 In its place stood the fixed rule that those who honor God He will honor, while those who despise Him shall be brought to contempt, held in low esteem and regarded as of little account.SG4 103.3+4 The priesthood would instead be entrusted to a faithful priest with a sure house who would do God's will, and those entrusted with sacred office must not protect wrongdoing at the expense of honoring God.PP 577.1–2+2 Family ties do not excuse rebellion nor require others to endorse conduct that dishonors God, and inherited privilege does not protect those who misuse responsibility, for God is patient but will not clear the guilty.Lt 120, 1897, par. 7–9+2

Eli honored his sons above God by exalting them to the priesthood and suffering them to remain in sacred office, enriching himself with the best of Israel's offerings, rejecting God's sacrifice and offering, allowing wrong influences, turning from light, and being more anxious to shield their reputation than to glorify God.SG4 103.3+4 Honoring sons above God meant following his own inclination in blind affection, indulging the gratification of their selfish desires, failing to bring the authority of God to rebuke sin and correct evil, and being more desirous to please children than to please the Lord and keep His service from every appearance of evil.SG4 103.3+2 His sons degraded that sacred office as selfish, covetous, gluttonous and profligate men who defrauded Israel in offerings, boldly transgressed God's law with violence, showed open contempt for His authority, profaned worship, caused Israel to sin, and led the people to lightly regard crime and to despise and neglect the sacrificial offerings appointed as a blessing.1SP 400.1–401.1+3 Permitting men loaded with guilt to occupy the relation of priests made the offering a thing of abhorrence through impious and abominable practices.SG4 103.1–2+1

As high priest and judge in Israel Eli was responsible for their conduct and for the moral and religious standing of the people, and in a special sense for the character of his sons, being required first to attempt to restrain evil by mild measures and if these did not avail to subdue the wrong by the severest means, reproving sin, removing them at once from the priesthood, and executing justice upon the sinner even to death as their abominable example deserved.1SP 400.1–401.1+2 Instead from undue affection, blind indulgence, fear of their displeasure, indolence and partial judgment he only reproved and entreated them without restraining them, excused in them what he would have condemned in others, made no earnest effort to purify family or church, and let them go on in rebellion until they became a curse to Israel.1SP 400.1–401.1+4 Those who have too little courage to reprove wrong are held accountable for the evil resulting from neglect of duty and are just as responsible for evils they might have checked by parental or pastoral authority as if the acts had been their own, for mistaken love that indulges children nourishes pride and vanity, sows seed that bears fruit in contempt for parental authority, and harms children and others.PP 578.1–2+2 Parents are required to restrain their children, to watch over and correct their habits, and the salvation of children depends very much on the course parents pursue.Ms 34, 1889, par. 7+2

God therefore punished this criminal neglect of family discipline and sacred duty by cutting off his house so that no old man would remain in it and by cutting off both Hophni and Phinehas in one day so that they should both perish.1SP 400.1–401.1+2 Israel's defeat in battle and loss of the ark demonstrated that the sins of God's professed people do not go unpunished, that God does not depend on their service, and that He rejects those who claim to serve Him while acting unrighteously and can carry on His work without them.ST Oct 21, 1913+1 The promise that the house of Aaron would walk before God forever was conditional on devoting themselves to the work of the sanctuary with singleness of heart and honoring God in all ways instead of serving self or following perverse inclinations, and when Eli and his sons were tested and found wholly unworthy God set the promise aside because He could not accomplish the good He had meant to do for them while they failed to do their part.ST Sep 2, 1913+2 Position, privilege, title and outward profession do not shield anyone from consequences, guarantee salvation, or secure favor, for honor from God depends on honoring Him.ST Sep 2, 1913+2

God delayed threatened judgment year after year to give time to redeem past failure by true repentance, meaning renouncing sin and taking effective measures to correct evils polluting the sanctuary and leading thousands to ruin, not merely confessing guilt.PP 582.3+1 When warnings to Eli's house were made known throughout Israel yet disregarded by priests and people, when forbearance was met with harder hearts and bolder transgression, and when surrounding nations grew bolder in idolatry and crime because Israel did not preserve integrity, God's authority was set aside and His worship neglected and despised, so retribution became necessary for Him to interpose that the honor of His name might be maintained.PP 582.3+1 The Lord warned Eli but he did not heed, then told Samuel that Eli's sons would not be pardoned and that Eli's house would be cut off in its sins, showing that the Lord may pass by experienced fathers engaged in His work when they neglect duties at home.Lt 33, 1897, par. 16+1 Their sins shut out the presence of His Holy Spirit like a thick cloud so He could no longer communicate with Eli and his sons, and in the midst of that evil the child Samuel remained true to Heaven, so that giving this condemnation to Eli's house became Samuel's commission as prophet of the Most High.PP 581.1

The warning given to Eli over indulgence should have governed Samuel's training of his own sons, but Samuel did not let it influence his mind as it should have done and was to some extent too indulgent, failing to impress God's precepts upon them.PP 604.1 His sons did not copy his pure, unselfish life and did not prove worthy of his choice, but though they knew the warning to Eli and the judgments on his house they became greedy after lucre, took bribes and perverted judgment in dishonor and disregard of God's authority.ST Feb 2, 1882+1

The verse lays down God's fixed order and pledged word that those who give Him honor receive honor in return, while those who despise Him shall be lightly esteemed, held in low esteem, brought low, and regarded as of little account.CT 374.1+4 Honoring Him in this promise means treating His work with reverence and guarding thought, word, and action while serving in it, which gives workers moral strength and confidence.7T 193.1+1 It means recognizing Him as the source of knowledge and submitting mind and character to be shaped by His word, and those who do so may claim the promise.CT 426.3–4 It means never giving the impression that hiding faith and doctrines from unbelievers brings profit or higher esteem, never putting truth in the background from cowardice or worldly policy, but making open confession of faith and taking a distinct position as a spectacle to the world, to angels, and to men, as a light set on a candlestick rather than hid under a bushel or under a bed.6T 144.2 Leaving Him aside to rely on human help dishonors Him and brings the warning to bear, and whoever exalts himself above others will be humbled, for responsible persons must not act with Pharisaic exclusiveness or shut others out.CT 374.1+1

God will honor only those who honor Him, so sanctification is a daily work of obedience in honoring Him.BS 78.2+1 No one trampling upon one of His requirements can be pardoned and blessed, for the willful commission of a known sin silences the witnessing voice of the Spirit and separates the soul from God.BS 78.2+2 Whatever ecstasies of religious feeling may be felt, Jesus cannot abide in the heart that disregards the divine law.BS 78.2+1 Honoring Him means staying firmly attached to His law when iniquity abounds and the atmosphere is polluted with sin, and when fiery trials test His people with opposition, threats, and abuse, those who are strengthened and confirmed instead of growing cold show Him honor.5T 136.1 The great proportion who now appear genuine and true but cowardly take the side of opposers prove to be base metal and forfeit that honor.5T 136.1

This is not evidence that God is a hard master, but declares the inevitable and necessary result of turning away from Him.Ms 69a, 1896, par. 18–19+1 Those who turn away lose His favor, while those who follow Jesus receive the light of life, including those who reject the messages He sends.Ms 69a, 1896, par. 18–19+1 Loyalty or disloyalty brings its consequence, and a person's conduct in this life determines the outcome, for as one sows so one reaps, and God does not excuse willful disregard for His commands.MH 180.3–4

Those whom God has honored by their loving and fearing Him must themselves be honored by others and not be lightly esteemed.Lt 39, 1894, par. 20–22+2 Faithful servants may be neglected or rejected by men and outward success without peace with God does not bring happiness, for God rewards according to works, yet those who have served unselfishly should be treated with respect and tenderness and should continue to honor God rather than make self the center.ST Jul 27, 1882 In sacred work a difference is to be put between sacred and common by deciding in favor of those who love and fear God, making confidantes of them and sharing responsibility with them.Ms 8, 1879, par. 9–10 Those of unbelief, levity, and disrelish for religious things who pollute the work are not to be retained and confided in.Ms 8, 1879, par. 9–10

Title, position, outward profession, or inherited privilege never gives holiness, excellence of character, or infallibility, never changes the character, and never secures salvation or God's approval.Ms 25, 1903, par. 14–15+4 His favor remains conditional on honoring Him and keeping His commandments, and honor from God depends on honoring Him, so that even one in an important position is honored only as long as he honors God.Ms 25, 1903, par. 14–15+2 This holds for all who occupy responsible positions, especially in the cause of God, where the higher the position the greater the responsibility borne, the wider the influence exerted, and the greater the need to feel dependence on the wisdom and strength of God.JIOKP 36.2–37.1+1 Such workers must walk carefully and circumspectly before God and before fellow men, cultivate the best and most holy character, keep God's way and do justice and judgment, and be learners themselves instead of merely ordering and dictating and commanding, and when a responsible worker fails to learn this the sooner he is released from his responsibilities the better for him and for the work.JIOKP 36.2–37.1+1

Honoring God means keeping His commandments out of love and staying firmly attached to His law when iniquity abounds and the atmosphere is polluted with sin.Lt 15, 1895, par. 14–16+2 No one trampling upon one requirement can be pardoned and blessed, for the willful commission of a known sin silences the witnessing voice of the Spirit and separates the soul from God, and whatever ecstasies of religious feeling may be felt, Jesus cannot abide in the heart that disregards the divine law.BS 78.2+1 Those who cry away with the commandments of God and demand that the law be crucified despise Him, doing so because the law condemns their iniquities and all crooked practices, just as the Jews cried away with Christ to crucify Him.Lt 1, 1895, par. 17–18+1 When fiery trials test His people and opposition, threats and abuse come, those strengthened and confirmed instead of growing cold honor Him, while the great proportion who now appear genuine and true but cowardly take the side of opposers prove base metal and forfeit that honor.5T 136.1+1 A person entrusted with responsibility who leads others into disobedience is accountable for that harm, excuses do not remove that responsibility, and an unfaithful minister who encourages others to sin faces especially serious judgment; thorough repentance and reformed life with refusal to join iniquity is therefore required.Lt 15, 1895, par. 14–16+1

Honoring God means never giving the impression that hiding faith and doctrines from unbelievers brings profit or higher esteem, and never placing truth in the background from cowardice or worldly policy.6T 144.2+1 It means open confession of faith and taking a distinct position as a spectacle to the world, to angels and to men, while the whole universe watches with interest the closing work of the controversy between Christ and Satan.6T 144.2+1 It means not putting Christ and the truth into a corner out of sight but making them prominent, feeling one's own weakness and making God the trust and clinging fast to the Mighty One without letting go hold from above.6T 144.2+1 When He is so honored He gives wisdom to move in the order of God and works with human efforts, working more as trust in Him grows, and the believer becomes a light set on a candlestick to give light to all in the house rather than hid under a bushel or under a bed.6T 144.2+1

Keeping the Sabbath holy unto the Lord honors God, for honoring Him includes loyalty to His command and serving Him as distinct from refusing to serve Him.6T 356.4+2 God places His sign upon the obedient Sabbathkeeper and promises to recognize and fulfill His covenant with such a person.Lt 109, 1899, par. 35+2 That obedience He honors with eternal salvation, while disloyalty brings its consequence and a person's conduct is weighed in the final judgment.6T 356.4+1

Regularly and systematically returning to God what is His in tithes and offerings honors Him, and His provision enables continued giving.Ms 99, 1893, par. 26+1 Honoring Him with entrusted means is rendering back what He has freely given, making His cause and work supreme, planning more wisely for the advancement of His cause and the salvation of souls than for personal convenience or enjoyment, and finding true happiness in possessions in that use.Ms 23, 1886, par. 3+1 It is keeping solemn pledges of gifts and offerings made to Him as Creator, witnessed and registered in heaven, because dealing in pledges is dealing with the Lord God of heaven and not with man, with no excuse for violation.Lt 31, 1889, par. 4–6+1 Gifts and offerings are to be directed to His work rather than diverted to human friends who will not support it or spent on secret organizations, for diverting them brings loss because they earn no heavenly reward, while those who use money and opportunities in His service for the spread of the gospel and give willingly and gratefully are honored by Him and entrusted with greater responsibilities.Lt 59, 1893, par. 9–10+2 Those who love God with an eye single to His glory refuse narrow plans and inferior accommodations for worship while much is spent building and furnishing houses for men, feeling as David did when he lived in a palace of cedar while the ark dwelt poorly, and provide a more honorable place for God to be worshiped; those who rob God lifelong, holding riches selfishly, will be judged according to works as full of self-love and ingratitude, tending to poverty, exhausting divine patience until mercy turns to a curse.Ms 23, 1886, par. 3+1

Honoring God means giving Him the time He requires, living in close communion with Him, and pressing firmly to His throne in earnest prayer for protecting care, aid, mercy and blessing, instead of hurrying through a faithless prayer to rush to temporal business.Lt 2, 1900, par. 5+2 It means beginning each day's work with prayer, inviting Jesus' presence and showing His character through gentleness, patience, love and integrity, which brings spiritual strength and victory.Lt 2, 1900, par. 5+2 It means trusting His wisdom and working under His guidance as Counsellor rather than exalting human wisdom, following His revealed will and Word rather than replacing them with human opinions and plans.Lt 136, 1900, par. 6–8+1 It means not letting go hold from above but clinging fast to the Mighty One with unwavering trust, feeling one's own weakness, walking humbly, believing His pledged promise to forgive confessed sin, and making God the trust.Lt 11, 1886, par. 10–11+2 When He is so honored He honors in return with comfort, peace and joy, with help in daily labor, by sending angels to preserve from accidents, breakages and losses, and by giving wisdom to move in the order of God; where indifference exists and communion is small He cannot pour out His Spirit and bless.Lt 11, 1886, par. 10–11+1

Honoring God is shown by steadfast purpose even though the result of going contrary to the king's decree is unknown, contemplating His Word and purposing in heart to form characters He can approve and to be true to Him.Ms 2b, 1895, par. 23–24+1 Daniel's resolve not to follow the king's eating and drinking customs in Babylon is the example, letting nothing come between him and God and refusing the king's wine and food though surrounded by temptation in the court, choosing simple food rather than compromise for royal favor.CH 50.1+2 It means refusing food, drink and habits that violate His law and weaken physical, mental and moral power, including refusing a meat diet and a great variety of food when dedicated to God without reserve with earnest prayer.Ms 2b, 1895, par. 23–24+2 God honors such self-denial and faithfulness with physical health and vigor, strength and beauty, undimmed senses, mental strength and a stronger and clearer understanding, with knowledge, skill in all learning and wisdom ten times better than others, understanding in visions and dreams and in all mysteries, superiority and favor before rulers, and a clear mind; so human testimony about the advantages of meat or varied food should have no weight.CH 50.1+4 Children taught the fear and love of God from childhood will thus resist temptation and receive the very highest education, while those who murmur and complain at every step and are ambitious for more power and greater responsibility show they cannot carry responsibilities and are not fit to bear them.Ms 18, 1887, par. 17+2

Honoring God means treating His work with reverence and guarding thoughts, words and actions while serving in it, which gives workers moral strength, confidence and a living experience of faith.7T 193.1+2 Sincere, willing, faithful and upright work honors Him and makes the worker fit for use in His institutions by merit and faithfulness rather than position, while negligent and insincere service is repaid accordingly, for God is liberal toward those who serve Him liberally.Lt 127, 1897, par. 10+1 It calls for caution and walking humbly with God, honoring Him with the lips, speaking words inspired by the Holy Spirit that burn into hearers' hearts, helping everyone discouraged, blessing every needy sinful person met, and lifting up the Saviour who takes away the sin of the world.7T 193.1+1 It is shown by well-ordered life and godly conversation, just dealing, building houses of worship and schools in faith even when poor, keeping body, clothing and home clean, teaching children to revere, love, pray and obey, and respecting His faithful servants rather than exalting self.Lt 164, 1895, par. 1+2

Despising God means leaving Him aside and relying on human help, education, opinions and plans for service to Him, for intellectual ability and judgment cannot replace honoring Him.CT 374.1+2 It means exalting self above others with Pharisaic exclusiveness and shutting others out, for God will humble anyone who so exalts himself.Ms 100, 1894, par. 7+1 It means rejecting instruction from His appointed agents, resisting His counsel and justifying one's own actions, which shows one is not a doer of Christ's words nor a lover of God's law but a lover of self, and rejecting the messages He sends and the Holy Spirit's work, marring His work.Ms 10, 1899, par. 10+2 It means placing human reasoning above His plain word and treating His testimony as unimportant, which brings the warning to bear that those who despise Him will be brought low and held in low esteem, not as evidence that He is a hard master but as the inevitable result of turning away from Him onto the enemy's side.CT 374.1+2

The promise is fulfilled in Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah in Babylon, who honored God by steadfast purpose, firm principle and purity of motive even at the loss of all things.Ms 35, 1890, par. 8+3 Honoring Him meant contemplating His word, purposing in heart to form characters He could approve, holding firmly to loyalty without compromise for royal favor, letting nothing come between the soul and God, and refusing food and drink that violate His law and weaken physical, mental and moral power.Ms 161, 1898, par. 3+3 Though captives in the king's court surrounded by temptation and not knowing what would follow disobedience to the decree, they exalted the principles of His government and remained true witnesses.Ms 35, 1890, par. 8+2 In return God honored their self-denial with superior physical strength and beauty, undimmed senses, health and vigor, stronger and clearer understanding, keen comprehension, knowledge and skill in all learning and wisdom, understanding in visions and dreams, wisdom ten times better than the magicians, favor before rulers, and standing before the king.CH 50.1+3 The same holds for children taught from childhood to fear and love God, who will resist temptation and receive the very highest education.Ms 18, 1887, par. 17

Because Daniel clung to God with unwavering trust and refused to depart from principle, God let the spirit of prophetic power come upon him.FE 81.1+3 While men instructed him in the duties of court life, God taught him to read the mysteries of future ages.FE 81.1+2 He was enabled to present to coming generations through figures, similitudes and symbols the wonderful things to come to pass in the last days, covering the history of this world till the close of time.FE 81.1+2 This honoring was also shown in the hour of trial when Daniel and his companions, mindful that providence had placed them where they were to do God's work and meet the demands of truth and duty, took the matter before God together in united prayer, sought wisdom from the source of light and turned to Him for strength in perplexity and danger, and God did not let their pleading be in vain but revealed to Daniel the secret of Nebuchadnezzar's dream as an ever-present help.PK 484.3+1

To honor God in this way is to cling fast to the Mighty One, not let go of hold from above, feel one's weakness and make Him the trust, keep the eyes fixed on His promised reward, walk in great humility, make Christ and truth prominent rather than putting them out of sight, live in close communion, give Him the time He requires, press firmly to His throne in earnest prayer for protecting care, aid, mercy and blessing, act justly and love mercy, and keep good courage with the soul stayed upon God as a child trusts a parent.8T 123.1–2+4 Those who so honor Him by upright heart, stern integrity, purity, faithfulness to principle, well-ordered life and godly conversation, with mental and moral powers harmoniously developed, receive wisdom to move in His order, righteousness going before them and His glory as rear guard, comfort, peace and joy, help in daily labor, preservation by angels from accidents, breakages and losses, and His eye upon them amid reproach, perplexity, trial and attack, making all things work together for their good and working with their efforts more and more as trust grows.8T 123.1–2+4 The promise holds without failure: He works with those who trust Him, openly honors them before men and angels even when maligned, sustains them with influence, clear mind and strength for good work, and at last crowns His faithful children with eternal glory, standing before His throne in white linen which is the righteousness of the saints.8T 123.1–2+3

The same rule appears in Caleb, Nehemiah, Joseph in Egypt, and the captive youth who were as true as steel to principle, uncorrupted by selfishness, bearing faith and the name of worshipers of the living God as high honor without compromise with idolaters.Ms 121, 1898, par. 7–8+3 Because Caleb had another spirit and followed God fully, God brought him into the land he had entered and gave it to his descendants for a possession and a home in the promised Canaan, while cowards and murmurers who refused to hearken perished under judgment in the wilderness.5T 303.4–304.3 Because Nehemiah remained true and helped restore God's principles, God honored and used him, and like Joseph and Daniel's companions, institutions that honor God in prosperity and adversity are honored by Him.Ms 121, 1898, par. 7–8+1 Those faithful captives honored God at the loss of all things, and God honored them by carrying out His purpose through them as His representatives, giving to heathen nations the blessings that come through knowledge of Jehovah.STB 741.3+1 Israel in the wilderness was meant likewise to honor Him by faithful obedience, remembering His merciful protection from serpents, wild beasts and a thousand dangers, learning submission through test and trial and letting Him correct selfishness, so as to reveal His character and display the purity and holiness of true religion before other nations as His representative people carrying light to the world, with motives and deeds recorded in heaven; but by wicked unbelief, continual rebellion, perversity and murmuring, magnifying trials and losing sight of His guiding care, they dishonored Him so that He could not work with them and permitted them to be bitten by serpents.ST Oct 25, 1899+2

A worker who uses all his ability, stays humble, bears heavy responsibility without selfishly seeking ease, convenience or larger profit, remains a faithful witness true to the interests of the work, will be sustained by the Lord with strength and rightful standing.Ms 1, 1879, par. 9–10 Such proven faithfulness makes him deserving of honor from his brethren, including just wages higher than merely mechanical work and a recognized place in the church, so his influence tells for God and he has every advantage in service.Ms 1, 1879, par. 9–10 Honoring God with entrusted wealth and influence means obeying His word about riches, not clinging selfishly to them and neglecting opportunities to do good and save others, but seeking opportunities to do good; such liberal givers are blessed and made prosperous and their work bears fruit unto reward.2T 660.1–2+1 By contrast, selfish holders who slight His commands are left unblessed and may come under judgments that scatter their means and idols through losses, and those who despise His word by persisting in their own way and leading others astray will be lightly esteemed and may become weary of themselves.2T 660.1–2+2

The verse teaches that God honors households that honor Him and removes honor from those who treat Him with contempt, so parents must watch over and correct the habits of their children from the cradle if they expect God to honor their homes.Ms 34, 1889, par. 7+2 Eli was a priest and a good man, but he was too easy with his sons and did not restrain them in wickedness, and that parental indulgence itself was despising God, so that the sins of his children lay at his soul.Ms 34, 1889, par. 7+2 He is held responsible for dishonoring God by neglecting parental duty and allowing his sons' wrongdoing to continue in holy office, failing to restrain them promptly and decisively, and his failure brought judgment on his house so that no old man would remain in it, including the death of Hophni and Phinehas in one day.Ms 34, 1889, par. 7+3 Teaching children to revere and love God, to pray to Him, to submit their wills and to keep His commandments in simplicity and modesty is part of honoring Him, and parents who knowingly let their children continue in wrongdoing and serve evil without controlling them repeat Eli's failure.ST Feb 18, 1897+3 His indulgence brought disaster and death to himself, ruin to his wicked sons, and ruin to thousands in Israel, and mistaken love that nourishes pride and vanity with neglect now is as aggravating as then and will require an account.Ms 34, 1889, par. 7+2

Eli's sin was believing himself wiser than his Creator and following the dictates of human wisdom in preference to the commands of the Omniscient One, as Eve did.ST Nov 24, 1881 In training his children he departed from the way God had given in His word, thinking in self-confidence that he knew a better way than God had given instead of praying earnestly how to order the child.ST Nov 24, 1881 God Himself established the family relations, and His word is the only safe guide in the management of children, for the Creator best understands all the needs of children and feels the deepest interest in their welfare as those He bought with His own blood.ST Nov 24, 1881 Allowing wrong influences and principles and turning from the light God had given is dishonoring God, and outward signs of sanctity such as fasting and prayer cannot stand in place of honoring Him but fade when a person continues in Eli's course.ST Nov 24, 1881+1

The former privilege of Eli's family to serve before God was withdrawn because Eli honored his sons above God and failed to remove them from office despite their wickedness, declaring that God honors those who honor Him and holds in low esteem those who despise Him.Lt 120, 1897, par. 7–9+1 Those entrusted with sacred office must not protect wrongdoing at the expense of honoring God, for family ties do not excuse rebellion nor require others to endorse conduct that dishonors God.Lt 120, 1897, par. 7–9+1 A leader who gives honor to men who reject God's guidance and treats them as faithful dishonors God and leaves the churches confused, and giving influence, favor, and positions of trust to people who dishonor God and have worked against His messengers and messages wrongly rewards their conduct.Lt 24a, 1896, par. 16+2 Leaders in God's work must act justly and with sound judgment, rebuking sin, executing justice, and purifying family and church, rather than letting feelings, family affection, or a perverse spirit sway them, being accountable for evils they might have checked as if the acts were their own.Lt 120, 1897, par. 7–9+2

Those connected with His institutions keep His honor and the cooperation of heavenly beings only while they walk humbly with God, and His favor continues as they honor Him.6T 144.2+2 Honoring God means never giving the impression that hiding faith and doctrines from unbelievers brings profit or higher esteem, never placing truth in the background from cowardice or worldly policy, but making open confession of faith and taking a distinct position as a spectacle to the world, to angels, and to men while the whole universe watches the closing work of the controversy between Christ and Satan, being a light set on a candlestick to give light to all in the house rather than hid under a bushel or under a bed.6T 144.2 This condition applies personally to those in important positions, whom God will honor only as long as they honor Him through humility, obedience to His counsel, and willingness to accept correction, while refusing that counsel and insisting on their own rule places them outside His favor and work.Ms 15, 1896, par. 22+2

God holds parents and children together accountable when parents approve and preserve their children's wrongdoing and children continue their fathers' sins.14MR 102.2+1 As in Eli's family, failure to restrain brought consequences on both generations together, and both would learn bitter lessons and face God's recompense.14MR 102.2+1