Be a Parent, not a friend to your kids

1 Samuel 2:12 Now the sons of Eli were corrupt;  they did not know the Lord.

Eli was the high priest.  He was called to represent God to the people and the people to God.  Yet, here we know he didn't live it at home.  He wasn't able to achieve his most important calling, reaching his family for the LORD.  Now, everyone has their responsibilities to receive the LORD, no doubt.  Yet his sons didn't know the LORD.  They were put in the ministry by Eli.  As a father, this is the worst.  
Im thankful, Jesus changed my heart before my kids were born.  And both of them we know God lent them to us and we gave them back to God.  I would spend many of moments sharing what the LORD shown me in His word with them as they grew.  If they didn't know the LORD, that wasn't going to be due to my neglect, I hope.  We laid a good foundation for them.  So, I go back to this sad case.  What happened?  Im not totally sure but we do know that Eli refused to correct them in their sins!  He still allowed them to serve Gods most precious possession, people.  They were corrupt and instead of fathering them, he sought to be their best friends.  This is a recipe of failure.  Children will always be children.  None are perfect, yet as parents train, discipline, love them in the ways of God, that's the best way to mature them.  I love reaching the lost, serving the many needs of the church of Christ, pouring my all into Christ church, but never at the expense of neglecting my kids, their spiritual health.  I think my ministry would be an utter failure if I reach the world but lose my family due to my neglect.  I wont have it, Im glad I don't have to.  Christ calls us to reach our own homes first.

3 Comments


Sondra - August 30th, 2024 at 7:22am

Amen!

Lottie James - August 30th, 2024 at 10:00am

I did not have the Lord in my house when my children were small and I failed to teach them about Him. I carry a lot of guilt now and pray for their salvation each day. Time is short here and I am praying harder

Jon - August 30th, 2024 at 10:27am

No condemnation in Christ. It's amazing what God can repair and fix what we have neglected. Look up, Jesus is moving.

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