I Samuel 2:18 says: “Now Samuel was ministering before the Lord, as a boy wearing a linen ephod.” Then :21 adds: “the boy Samuel grew before the Lord.” Both of these verses contain that expression “before the Lord”. They tell us that Samuel both ministered, and grew, before the Lord. Everything he did was performed as in the presence of God, which is a key to right ministry – as well as right living itself!

There is quite a contrast in this chapter between Samuel and the “worthless” sons of Eli, whom these verses describe as despising the Lord’s prescribed ways. They ignored God’s commands and presence. But Samuel ministered “BEFORE THE LORD”. In contradistinction to those worthless sons, he respected God and ministered to HIM, as in His very presence – and he would take their place as leader and priest before God to the people of the next generation.

In the same way, if we would be pleasing to God with our lives, and our ministries, we must perform them in the same way that Samuel did: as “before the Lord.” Live your life in “the fear of the Lord”, which does NOT mean living in craven fear, but rather “practicing His presence” in everything you do. Our ministries, in order to please God, must be performed the same way. Do not do what makes you appear to the best advantage in the eyes of men, but “minister before the Lord”, as Samuel did, in all your service. Surely then, like him, you will experience God’s blessing as His servant to your generation.