How can parents encourage their children to grow like Samuel in 1 Samuel 2:26? Samuel’s Growth Captured in One Verse “And the boy Samuel continued to grow in stature and in favor with the LORD and with men.” (1 Samuel 2:26) Key Qualities God Highlights • Physical maturity: “grow in stature” • Spiritual favor: “favor with the LORD” • Social favor: “favor with … men” God presents an integrated model—body, spirit, and relationships—showing that true growth involves every sphere of a child’s life. Principles for Parents • Prioritize God’s presence at home – Samuel slept near the ark (1 Samuel 3:3); make God’s Word central in daily life. • Cultivate reverence and obedience – Samuel answered, “Speak, for Your servant is listening” (1 Samuel 3:10). Encourage quick, willing obedience. • Model faithful service – Samuel “ministered before the LORD” (1 Samuel 2:18). Demonstrate joyful service in church and community. • Protect from corrupt influences – Eli’s sons were wicked (1 Samuel 2:12). Guard your child’s companions and media intake (1 Corinthians 15:33). • Affirm God’s favor over human approval – Samuel’s favor with people flowed from God’s favor first (Proverbs 3:3-4). Teach children to seek God’s smile above all. Practical Ideas for the Home • Daily Scripture and discussion at the table—short, consistent, life-centered. • Family worship songs that celebrate God’s character, just as Hannah praised Him (1 Samuel 2:1-10). • Serve together: visit shut-ins, prepare a meal for someone in need, help at church. • Regular “listening times”: quiet moments where everyone silently asks, “Lord, what are You saying?”—imitating Samuel’s posture. • Celebrate obedience: recognize even small steps of faithfulness to reinforce a heart that delights in pleasing God. • Establish healthy routines for sleep, nutrition, and exercise, honoring the “stature” aspect of growth. Encouragement from Other Scriptures • Luke 2:52—Jesus “grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men,” echoing Samuel’s pattern. • Deuteronomy 6:6-7—“These words … are to be upon your hearts. And you shall teach them diligently to your children.” • Proverbs 22:6—“Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.” • Ephesians 6:4—“Bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.” Closing Encouragement God delights to develop children who, like Samuel, walk in His favor. As you weave Scripture, worship, service, protection, and encouragement into everyday life, you join God in shaping young hearts for a lifetime of faithful growth. |
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