In the book of 1 Samuel, we come across Eli’s wicked sons, Hophni and Phinehas. In a commentary on 1 Samuel by Adam Clarke, he states, “These men were the principal cause of all the ungodliness of Israel. Their most execrable conduct, described in 1 Samuel 2:13-17, caused the people to abhor the Lord’s offering.”

Here is where it gets very interesting. “An impious priesthood is the grand cause of the transgressions and ruin of any nation..”

Christians look to blame politicians for the ruin of a nation when an impious priesthood is the real root cause. In a time where we are seeing so many pastors fall, Christians need to focus on holding them to Biblical standards (1 Timothy and Titus) MORE than we are looking to hold politicians to them.

“For it is time for judgment to begin at the household of God; and if it begins with us, what will be the outcome of those who do not obey the gospel of God?” – 1 Peter 17. Judgement begins with Christians because we are to lead and are held to a higher standard than the non-believer, even though their punishment will be greater than ours. Judgement begins with Christians because we are to be the light of the world and when we are not, especially when the priesthood is not, then many more will fall and fall away, so the title of this post could just as easily be “The Losing of the Souls of People.”