“And he said unto them, Why do ye such things? for I hear of your evil dealings by all this people. Nay, my sons; for it is no good report that I hear: ye make the Lord’s people to transgress”(1 Samuel 2:23,24).
TEXT — 1 Samuel 2:22-25
In his thought-provoking message, “Dare to Discipline,” Victor Yap points out a crucial truth: godly parents can sometimes end up raising ungodly children. It is a common mistake for pastors, elders, deacons, Sunday school teachers, and fellowship leaders to assume that their kids will naturally believe in God, automatically turn out well, and eventually follow in their footsteps. The reality is that when parenting goes awry, and children stray, it is often not because the parents are bad people. Instead, it is usually due to being unprepared, ill-adjusted, misinformed, or lacking guidance in parenting. So, if you’re a parent, strive to be available, accountable, active, attentive, and capable. The alternative can lead to a life filled with heartaches.
Eli’s family serves as a prime example of failed parenting. His sons were wild and immoral, yet he did not stop them. Though he was the High Priest, shockingly, he learned about his sons’ wrongdoings from others instead of through his own careful oversight. When he finally heard about their serious misdeeds, his reprimand was little more than a gentle nudge. Unsurprisingly, the sons brushed off his feeble protest. Eli was an indulgent father who could not keep his family in check. While he could bless pilgrims like Hannah and mentor a Samuel, he failed to manage his own household. He allowed his wayward sons to continue serving as priests until they desecrated the Lord’s offerings, undermined the faith of the people, defiled women in the temple, and led many into sin against God.
Unfortunately, we see the same indulgence that Eli showed playing out in many families. Some parents cover the wrongdoings in their families and their children’s lives to hold onto their positions in the church. As we reflect on today’s message, let us commit ourselves as parents to nurturing our children’s spiritual health. We should encourage them to participate in church activities, retreats, and youth fellowship gatherings so they can meet Jesus early on.
It is important not to get so caught up in their academic or career achievements that we fill their schedules with extra lessons, sports, or commercial activities, leaving little room for their spiritual growth. Today, let us humble ourselves before God and earnestly pray for the lives and restoration of our wayward sons and daughters. With God, there’s always a chance for repentance and renewal. While it may have been too late for Eli and his sons, we who are alive still have hope.
Thought for the day
Weak parenting is a breeding ground for regrets and agonies.
Listed among “500 most powerful people on the planet” by the Foreign Policy magazine in 2013, Pastor (Dr.) William F. Kumuyi is the founder and General Superintendent of the Deeper Christian Life Ministry (DCLM) headquartered in Lagos, Nigeria. DCLM started in 1973 as a 15-member Bible study group right in Kumuyi’s apartment at University of Lagos where he was a lecturer. His revolutionary Bible teaching on personal holiness and commitment to evangelism soon gained so much traction and resulted in a widespread revival.
Leave a Reply