The Children

Samuel had a mentor. In 1 Samuel 3 we read how Samuel mistook God’s call for Eli’s. Eli was able to direct Samuel to the source of his calling, and he responded. The most interesting part for me today is:

Now Samuel did not yet know the LORD, neither was the word of the LORD yet revealed unto him. (1 Samuel 3:7 KJV)

He’s living with a priest, in the temple and he did not know the Lord nor the Lord’s word. Somewhat of a sad commentary on Eli’s training – but then his own sons were found to be lacking:

Now the sons of Eli were sons of Belial; they knew not the LORD. (1 Samuel 2:12 KJV)

Sadly, the first message Samuel received was condemnation of Eli.

For I have told him that I will judge his house for ever for the iniquity which he knoweth; because his sons made themselves vile, and he restrained them not. (1 Samuel 3:13 KJV)

God did not condemn their father for the son’s vileness. Eli was condemned because he did not restrain his sons. As their priest, he could have.

My children are all grandparents. My mistakes in their raising (and I did make some doozies!!) are long past. I have confessed my errors to God, and to my children, and have received forgiveness. Some of my errors were that I, too, restrained them not.

Paul says this is a requirement of a pastor, having faithful children.

If any be blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful children not accused of riot or unruly. For a bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God; not selfwilled, not soon angry, not given to wine, no striker, not given to filthy lucre; (Titus 1:6-7 KJV)

Those faithful children are taught, and Titus 2 pretty much tells all of us how we should be when we are teaching:

In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity, Sound speech, that cannot be condemned; that he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of you. (Titus 2:7-8 KJV)

Let’s take inventory. Where do we stand as any child looks to us as examples?

Do we show a pattern of good works?
Do we show corruption instead of Godliness?
Do we speak with serious sincerity?
Do we use good language or are our words condemning?
What do others say about you?
Whether what they say is bad or good, is it true?

Following Paul’s exhortation will place us in a position that we will have authority when restraining children. They may be our own, our children’s children, or those we’ve come to love in an extended family. It will be a blessing for them – and for us, to provide loving care.