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Patriarchs and Prophets
There is no greater curse upon households than to allow the youth
to have their own way. When parents regard every wish of their
children and indulge them in what they know is not for their good,
the children soon lose all respect for their parents, all regard for the
authority of God or man, and are led captive at the will of Satan.
The influence of an ill-regulated family is widespread and disastrous
to all society. It accumulates in a tide of evil that affects families,
communities, and governments.
Because of Eli’s position, his influence was more extended than if
he had been an ordinary man. His family life was imitated throughout
Israel. The baleful results of his negligent, ease-loving ways were seen
in thousands of homes that were molded by his example. If children
are indulged in evil practices, while the parents make a profession
of religion, the truth of God is brought into reproach. The best test
of the Christianity of a home is the type of character begotten by its
influence. Actions speak louder than the most positive profession of
godliness. If professors of religion, instead of putting forth earnest,
persistent, and painstaking effort to bring up a well-ordered household
as a witness to the benefits of faith in God, are lax in their government
and indulgent to the evil desires of their children, they are doing as
did Eli, and are bringing disgrace on the cause of Christ and ruin upon
themselves and their households. But great as are the evils of parental
unfaithfulness under any circumstances, they are tenfold greater when
they exist in the families of those appointed as teachers of the people.
When these fail to control their own households, they are, by their
wrong example, misleading many. Their guilt is as much greater than
that of others as their position is more responsible.
The promise had been made that the house of Aaron should walk
before God forever; but this promise had been made on condition
that they should devote themselves to the work of the sanctuary with
singleness of heart and honor God in all their ways, not serving self
nor following their own perverse inclinations. Eli and his sons had
been tested, and the Lord had found them wholly unworthy of the
exalted position of priests in His service. And God declared, “Be it far
from Me.” He could not accomplish the good that He had meant to do
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them, because they failed to do their part.
The example of those who minister in holy things should be such
as to impress the people with reverence for God and with fear to offend