And do not turn aside; for then you would go after empty things which cannot profit or deliver, for they are nothing. 1 Samuel 12:21 Andy was the pastor of a thriving church. Their youth and children’s works were touching lives while Sunday worship services were packed with God-hungry people. Andy was a mature man with good training for the ministry. However, he had one flaw in his character. Andy was never content with the vision God had given the church to reach the lost and disciple believers. Consequently, he made a unilateral decision to transform the church into a well-being business center.
Being a very persuasive person, he rallied his leadership team and presented a business plan to them that drew them to turn aside from the vision that God had given the church. Sadly, this church is now no more than a commercial enterprise, no longer reaching the lost and discipling believers.
Samuel was a man of integrity. He had been called by God when he was yet a child and judged God’s people well for many prosperous years. However, the Israelites became discontented with simply being led by a judge and called for Samuel to anoint a king over the nation. They desired to be like their neighbors. Samuel insisted that God was their king, but they were dissatisfied and turned aside from God’s vision.
Samuel said, “You would go after empty things which cannot profit or deliver, for they are nothing. Only fear the Lord and serve him. Consider what great things he has done for you. But if you still do wickedly, you shall be swept away, both you and your king.” Sadly, they did not listen to Samuel’s counsel. Thus began the demise of the people of God.
The Lord says to you today, “I know the plans I have for you. Plans for your peace and security; a future filled with hope. However, if you turn aside and go after empty things which cannot profit or deliver, they will come to nothing.”
Only fear the Lord and serve him in truth with all your heart. He has great things in store for you. If you refuse to run after empty things, then he who began a good work in you will bring it on to completion.