The sons of the prophet Samuel did not continue to have faith in, or fear the LORD and God of their father.

Instead, they chose to follow the spirit of selfishness and greed.

They loved offerings but treated offering-givers with distain.

…they turned aside after dishonest gain, took bribes, and perverted justice. I Samuel 8.3.

Few treat the flock of the Almighty as a representative of God Himself.

Most forget that the care they take with the flock, is seen as offering to the LORD.

Their dedication to the LORD is equal to their dedication to the flock of the LORD.

This idea is backed up with Jesus’ request to Peter.

The link between the love of the LORD and the care for His flock:

So when they had eaten breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me more than these?” He said to Him, “Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.” He said to him, “Feed My lambs.”

He said to him again a second time, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me?” He said to Him, “Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.” He said to him, “Tend My sheep.”

He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me?” Peter was grieved because He said to him the third time, “Do you love Me?” And he said to Him, “Lord, You know all things; You know that I love You.” Jesus said to him, “Feed My sheep.” John 21.15-17