"Now Eli was very old; and he heard everything his sons did to all Israel...So he said to them, 'Why do you do such things? For I hear of your evil dealings from all the people. No my sons! For it is not a good report that I hear. You make the LORD's people transgress.' "
I Samuel 2:22-24
There are two levels of culpability. The first is the sons. The case is building against them. Not only were they misusing their office for personal gain (2:13-17), but they were causing the women worshipers to transgress sexually (2:22). It is a dangerous thing for a spiritual leader to abuse his position for personal gain and gratification, because not only is he guilty of sin, but he also causes other people to sin.
The second level of culpability is Eli. Eli is now an old man. Where was he all these years? Surely he was aware of the problems because people were telling him, but he said nothing until he was up in age. And even then, the rebuke had no consequences. It was only words. He was a disengaged father, who surely loved his children but did not have the courage to speak the truth to them. He abdicated his responsibility as a parent to avoid the pain of correcting his sons, and when he finally did, it was too little, too late. We need godly fathers who take responsibility to speak the truth in love to their younger children and create consequences, even though it is painful.
Today's Thought: Spiritual leaders have the responsibility to be godly men, both of the flock and of their own household.
Have a godly day. Love you.
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