Remember the Bible story about Hannah praying for a son? She promised to give him back to God to be used for His purposes in the temple. His name was Samuel, and once weaned, he lived under the care of Eli the priest. One night, while lying down, Samuel heard the voice of God calling his name and believed it to be Eli’s voice. The priest told Samuel that he was not the one calling the boy and told him to go lie down again. After this happened several times, Eli realized that it was God communicating with Samuel and instructed him on how to listen and respond. (1 Samuel 1-3)
The first thing I took away from this is that I must see my children as the gifts from God they are and determine to give them back to Him to be totally used for His purposes. They are only mine because God chose to place them in my care while on this earth. Ultimately, they are to do what He says, and right now they find that out through me and my husband. Therefore, I must train them to discern God’s voice and respond correctly, as Eli told Samuel to answer, “Speak, Lord, for your servant hears.” But I can’t teach them to recognize the voice of God unless I’m accustomed to hearing it myself.
I remember one of the first times God spoke something to me. Desperate to find solace and peace in the midst of a tough situation (one that I brought on myself), I began to read the Bible at the recommendation of my mom. After some time reading, I shared a verse with her that stood out to me. I could see in a small way how it was relevant to my situation, but was overwhelmed with regret over a bad decision I had made and doubted that God would speak a promise to me at that time. However, my mom recognized a repentant heart in me and, because she regularly talked with God, she also recognized He was revealing new truth, direction, and a promise that has followed me to this very day. She explained how each part of the verse applied to my situation and would remain true for me if I honored God with my life. That moment was so special and so filled with comfort, excitement, and motivation. It was a turning point for which I am so thankful. Where would I be if not for parents that took the time to train me in discerning the voice of God?
The second thing I get is that there is another type of training that must be present in order for the spiritual training to be effective. 1 Samuel 2 speaks of “Eli’s worthless sons” who were known for their complete disregard for God’s laws and their utter nonchalance toward His commands. They had no respect or fear of God, much less of their father. So how did Samuel become so devoted to God when Eli’s own sons were not? Well, this is simply speculation on my part, but what if it had to do with Hannah? When Samuel was weaned, he was most likely older than the average freshly weaned child in today’s society. What if Hannah laid a great foundation of basic rules and attitudes that allowed him to be receptive and obedient to the Lord? She was very devoted to God and most likely instilled a reverence for Him at a very young age in Samuel. I wonder if she taught him how to be still when he’d rather wiggle, how to act in the temple, how to treat the holy items, how to speak to Bro. Eli, how to listen instead of always speaking. Did she tell him to use his inside voice? Did she make him take off his hat when he entered the temple? I’m going a bit overboard, but can’t you see how all these things prepared him for hearing from and obeying God?
Now compare this with Eli’s sons, corrupting the sacrifices to the Lord in order to please themselves. When the Bible speaks of Eli reprimanding them, we find an elderly man basically giving them a “Don’t do that.” There wasn’t even a slap on the hand! This speaks not only to the lack of respect for the Lord within the sons, but also to Eli’s lack. If he truly feared the Lord, he would have done everything in his power to ensure these dangerous practices were put to a stop- not only for his own sake, but for his sons’ and for all the Israelites’ sakes as well. Long story short, Samuel becomes a mighty prophet used by God to speak truth and accomplish God’s purposes. Eli and his sons are put to death. “For I told him that I would judge his family forever because of the sin he knew about; his sons blasphemed God, and he failed to restrain them.” 1 Samuel 3:13
Do you ever get tired of training your children? Do you ever have moments where you just decide to let them do what they want even though you know it’s wrong? Maybe the issues seem small in the grand scheme of things. The problem is that these small things build up and lead to bigger issues. When we don’t actively train our kids to confess and turn away from their sin, we are watching them head for death without warning. This role of parenting is so incredibly important. What we teach our children and what we allow matters tremendously!
Oh Lord, thank you for my family and the way You designed it. Give me and my husband the wisdom, strength, and endurance to train these babies You’ve so graciously lent to us. Allow us to see the importance of correcting and redirecting them back to You. Help us not to give one single inch up for use by the enemy but rather bathe everything in prayer, following Your direction. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.
“Whoever keeps the commandment keeps his life; he who despises his ways will die.” Proverbs 19:16
“Discipline your son, for there is hope;
do not set your heart on putting him to death.” Proverbs 19:18
“The fear of the Lord leads to life, and whoever has it rests satisfied; he will not be visited by harm.” Proverbs 19:23
“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight.” Proverbs 9:10
“The Lord was with Samuel as he grew up, and he let none of Samuel’s words fall to the ground.” 1 Samuel 3:19