Relic or Relationship?

For several days I've been thinking about the stories in the first seven chapters of 1 Samuel.  I've already shared some things from the first three chapters.  Today's illustration focuses on the 2nd, 3rd and 4th chapters where we hear of how badly Eli's sons abused the office of priest.  And how God warned Eli that they would both die on the same day.  Today's story is the fulfillment of that promise.  When the Israelites went to battle with the Philistines and were defeated by them, they started asking why God hadn't given them the victory.  They decided they needed to take the ark of the covenant with them into the next battle to ensure their victory.  So Eli's sons brought the ark to the battle.  The Israelites were soundly defeated, the ark taken by the Philistines, and Eli's sons killed.  The picture I have in the upper left corner of the page (created using a free download from Kidco Labs), really speaks to me of the lack of respect Eli's son's were showing as they carried the ark into battle.

As I pondered the story, I began to contrast it with the story of King David's relationship with the ark as recorded in 1 Chronicles.  He said to all the people, "If it seems good to you and if it is the will of the Lord our God, let us send word far and wide to the rest of our people throughout the territories of Israel, and also to the priests and Levites who are with them in their towns and pasturelands, to come and join us. Let us bring the ark of our God back to us, for we did not inquire of it during the reign of Saul. (1 Chron 13:2,3 NIV)  In the next couple of chapters there are several examples of Him asking God about going to battle with their enemies and proceeding as God told him to proceed. 

I realized that with the lack of respect for God, the ark, and the office of the priesthood that Eli's sons exhibited, the ark had been relegated to a religious relic - an artifact that they began to believe had power in itself to win their battles.  By contrast, King David treated the ark with utmost respect as a reminder of the need to seek God's guidance.  So, what about me?  Do I relate to something as a relic when I should be focusing on relationship?

Father, do I ever treat religious objects as what has the power, rather than looking directly to You? My first thought is, certainly not! I don't even have any "religious relics".   Quick on the heels of that thought, however is the thought - what about the Bible?  Are there time's I've been content to simply read the Bible and feel I've "spent my time with God" - rather than taking the time to listen deeply within my soul for that still small voice of God speaking to me?  

As I ponder these things, I find myself right back where I was as I create the previous page!  "Speak Lord for thy servant HEARETH!" (1 Sam 3:10 KJV).  Father, you know that right now I need your direction in my life in a special way.  You know the challenge I am facing and how I'm really not sure what to do.  Father, please give me direction and make it very clear to me how I should proceed.  I don't want to be in the position of straining at gnats and swallowing camels.  I don't want to be so rooted in legalism that I make life harder than it needs to be.  But I also don't want to ignore things that are important.  Too often, I don't know where I fall on that line, Father, but you do.  Please guide my thoughts and actions as I seek to do Your will, Father.  May I be courageous enough to do what you would have me do - even if that is a very uncomfortable place to be.  But may I also be willing to bend if that is what is called for.  Father, please direct me this day!  Thank you!