In Numbers, chapter eighteen, verse one, the priests and Levites were held responsible for any offenses or desecration against the tabernacle of the Lord. They had to take great care to serve God and do what the Lord required. The first seven verses of this chapter deal with the duties of priests and Levites, which the Lord speaks to Aaron concerning their role. Especially two areas God specifically made the brother of Moses aware of: he was accountable for the sins of the sanctuary and the fulfillment of their priesthood.
The verse was in Leviticus ten seven, where Moses warns Aaron and his sons Eleazar and Ithamar with instructions regarding their position. They were not to take it lightly and to follow the commandments given by God through His servant. The death of Nadab and Abihu at the very beginning of this chapter should caution leaders to be aware of how prominent their actions are among the congregation. Obedience is better than sacrifice. To go against the Word of God as leaders and believers is a sin and could be dangerous.
In the book of Genesis, Cain did not handle his role as the eldest brother of Abel, the firstborn of Adam and Eve. He showed no respect for the offering he offered to the Lord, which led God to question him. Chapter four, the first part of verse seven, stated: “If thou doest well, should thou not be accepted? If thou doest not well, sin lieth at the door.” God knew something was wrong with Cain, but he did not relent, which led to him breaking one of the ten commandments against his younger brother Abel.
In First Samuel chapters thirteen and fifteen, King Saul at that time did not follow the instruction of the Lord properly due to disobedience and ended up losing his position and later his life. These examples alone should encourage leaders of God’s sanctuary to take heed lest they fall.