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From Eternity Past
and they that despise Me shall be lightly esteemed... . And I will raise
Me up a faithful priest, that shall do according to that which is in Mine
heart and in My mind: and I will build him a sure house; and he shall
walk before Mine anointed forever.”
Those who in blind affection for their children indulge them in
their selfish desires and do not rebuke sin and correct evil make it
manifest that they honor their wicked children more than they honor
God. Eli should first have attempted to restrain evil by mild measures;
but if these did not avail he should have subdued the wrong by the
severest means. We are just as responsible for evils that we might have
checked in others by exercise of parental or pastoral authority, as if the
acts had been our own.
Eli overlooked the faults and sins of his sons in their childhood,
flattering himself that after a time they would outgrow their evil ten-
dencies. Many are now making a similar mistake. They foster wrong
tendencies in their children, urging as an excuse, “They are too young
to be punished. Wait till they become older and can be reasoned with.”
[419]
Thus the children grow up with traits of character that are a lifelong
curse to them.
There is no greater curse upon households than to allow youth
to have their own way. The children soon lose all respect for their
parents, all regard for authority, and are led captive at the will of
Satan. The influence of an ill-regulated family is disastrous to society.
It accumulates a tide of evil that affects families, communities, and
governments.
Eli’s family life was imitated throughout Israel in thousands of
homes. Actions speak louder than the most positive profession of
godliness. Great are the evils of parental unfaithfulness under any
circumstances; they are tenfold greater in the families of teachers of
the people.
Effective Agents of Satan
When men use their sacred calling as a cloak for selfish or sensual
gratification, they make themselves effective agents of Satan. Like
Hophni and Phinehas, they cause men to “abhor the offering of the
Lord.” They may pursue their evil course in secret for a time, but when
at last their true character is exposed, the faith of the people receives