Father Failure

"Now the sons of Eli were worthless men; they did not know the Lord and the custom of the priests with the people. When any man was offering a sacrifice, the priest’s servant would come while the meat was boiling, with a three-pronged fork in his hand. Then he would thrust it into the pan, or kettle, or caldron, or pot; all that the fork brought up the priest would take for himself. Thus they did in Shiloh to all the Israelites who came there. Also, before they burned the fat, the priest’s servant would come and say to the man who was sacrificing, 'Give the priest meat for roasting, as he will not take boiled meat from you, only raw.' If the man said to him, 'They must surely burn the fat first, and then take as much as you desire,' then he would say, 'No, but you shall give it to me now; and if not, I will take it by force.' Thus the sin of the young men was very great before the Lord, for the men despised the offering of the Lord." 1 Samuel 2.12-17

Eli the priest has two sons who serve as priests along with him. But the text tells us that they were worthless men who did not know God or the customs of the priest. They use their position to benefit themselves, hindering the people from proper worship. Their father failed to instruct them on who God was and how to serve before Him as priests. As they abused their power, he failed to discipline them for it, allowing them to drift further and further into sin.

Eli's failure is one that is seen over and over, father's failing to teach and correct their sons. It doesn't have to go to the extreme of allowing them to become abusive and threatening. It can be from simple neglect. I think Eli may have become very preoccupied with his work ministering before God, and neglected his sons. He valued the work of God over the work of parenting, not realizing that parenting is the work of God. He wasn't involved in his son's lives enough to teach them, and then when the problems arose he hadn't been involved enough to have them listen and submit to his correction.

Men, you may be following the example of Eli, and the example of Eli may be what you experienced growing up. You must break the cycle. If your dad wasn't involved in your life don't retreat from your own children because you aren't sure how to engage with them. Don't hide behind work, or a hobby, allowing it to have the moments that your children desperately crave and need. You are the only one that can be a father to your children. You are the only one who loves them enough to discipline them and correct them. If God has given you a family, take the role seriously because it is the most serious work you will ever engage in.

Let us sacrifice our careers for the sake of our children. Let us abandon a hobby for our children's well being. Let us be men who refuse to fail as fathers.

"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."

To God alone be the Glory!

Strength and Honor