1 Samuel 1-3: I am always heartbroken to read about Eli’s family. We remember Eli as one of the leaders in the church and the one who trained young Samuel when his mom brought him to be left at the church. We teach children about how Eli taught Samuel to listen to God’s voice and respond, but that is only a part of Eli’s story. Eli had two sons who also were priests, but they did not obey God and they also led Israel away from God. Eli knew his sons were not offering sacrifices like they should, that they were selfish, and that they were not living pure lives. God spoke to Samuel about what would happen to Eli’s sons and Eli. When Samuel was asked what God said, he did not want to tell Eli, but even Eli knew that a holy God would not allow what he had allowed his sons to do.

So what is the take away from us? First, God knows our hearts and knows what we do in private as well as a show before man. He is not amused with our spiritual games. Second, He longs for us to lead our children in a sincere faith. When they walk outside of God’s will we are to speak truth to our children. It may not change their actions, but they know that it does not please God for us as parents. It doesn’t mean we break fellowship with our children, but they need to have someone speak truth in love into their lives.

With that said, I also think it is important to point out that we also need to speak positively to our children when they follow after Christ. As we encourage and speak truth into our children hopefully we will strengthen their good character. Being a parent isn’t for cowards!