What steps can parents take to guide children in godly living? The Warning in Eli’s Example 1 Samuel 2:22: “Now Eli was very old; he heard about everything his sons were doing to all Israel and how they were sleeping with the women who served at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting.” Eli discovered his sons’ corruption only after it exploded into the open. Scripture showcases his failure so parents today can choose a better path. Step 1 – Stay Spiritually Alert • Know what your children are actually doing, not just what you hope they’re doing (Proverbs 27:23). • Be present in their lives: listen, ask questions, monitor friends and online spaces. • Create a home where confession feels safer than concealment. Step 2 – Address Sin Early and Directly • Eli delayed; his sons’ hearts grew calloused (1 Samuel 2:23–25). • Proverbs 19:18: “Discipline your son, for in that there is hope.” • Correct promptly, using clear biblical standards rather than personal irritation. Step 3 – Discipline with Consistency and Love • Hebrews 12:11 teaches that discipline “yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness.” • Keep consequences predictable, proportionate, and coupled with reminders of steadfast love (Proverbs 13:24). Step 4 – Saturate the Home with Scripture • Deuteronomy 6:6–7: talk of God’s words “when you sit…walk…lie down…rise up.” • 2 Timothy 3:15 shows Timothy learning Scripture “from infancy.” Practical ideas: – Short daily readings at meals – Verse memorization tied to current struggles – Singing Scripture-rich songs on drives Step 5 – Model the Holiness You Teach • 1 Corinthians 11:1: “Imitate me, as I imitate Christ.” • Confess your own sins; guard entertainment, language, and attitudes; serve others together. Step 6 – Guard Their Influences • 1 Corinthians 15:33: “Bad company corrupts good character.” • Know coaches, teachers, and media; encourage friendships with believers; set wise digital limits. Step 7 – Pray Persistently for Their Hearts • Only God transforms hearts (Ezekiel 36:26). • Philippians 1:6 promises He will complete His work; pray daily, specifically, and with others. Step 8 – Trust God with the Harvest • Galatians 6:9 urges perseverance: “At the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” • Faithful parenting cannot guarantee perfect children, but neglect invites disaster. Sow truth, love, and discipline, and rest in the Lord’s faithfulness. |
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