1 SAMUEL 2:12, 27-36
Lori Gottlieb, an American writer, mother and psychotherapist, argues that parents who are obsessed with their children’s happiness may actually be contributing to their unhappiness when they become adults. These parents spoil their children, fail to prepare them for the real world, turn a blind eye when they do something wrong, and neglect to discipline them.
We do not know what Eli was like as a father when his children were little. But he did not adequately deal with their conduct as grown men who served in the temple of God. They were selfish, lustful, and rebellious, putting their needs before the Word of God and the needs of the people. At first Eli scolded them, but they did not listen. Instead of removing them from the ministry, he looked the other way and let them continue in their sin. Because of his sons’ sins and because Eli honoured his sons more than the Lord (1 Samuel 2:29), the Lord warned him that his family would suffer judgment.
As Christian parents, we have a great responsibility to lovingly discipline our children (Proverbs 13:24; 29:17). By imparting to them God’s wisdom, we help them grow into godly and responsible adults.
Not disciplining our children is not loving them.
🙏🏼Lord, help all parents to train their children in Your ways, even when it hurts and may they know You are their rock on which they can stand.
Reference:
Lori Gottlieb, How to Land Your Kid in Therapy/How the Cult of Self Esteem is Ruining Our Kids (July/August 2011 issue of the Atlantic)
