1 Samuel 3:13, "For I have told him that I am about to judge his house forever for iniquity which he knew, because his sons brought a curse on themselves and he did not rebuke them."

Think

Eli, the high priest, was an utter failure as a father. His sons, Hophni and Phinehas, had no regard for the Lord or their duties as priests to the people. They treated the sacrificial offerings as their own personal feeding trough, while sexually abusing the women who worked at the temple. Eli knew but did nothing. He dissed discipline and brought judgment on his house. As a father, Eli was a passive parent; he shirked his responsibility to shepherd his family. This lack of action is serious. If a father does not lead his family by confronting and correcting bad behavior, God will hold that father accountable. If that scares you as a father, it should! A parent's duty, particularly the father, is to train and discipline their children. Never allow your children to drift, and thus be swept away in the evil currents of the day. Determine that your family will be distinct, faithful and loyal to God. Never forget, God blesses obedience, but judge's disobedience.

Act

Are there moments when you choose passivity as a parent, allowing your children to run the show? Write down those moments, noting specifically where you have failed to lead. Resolve before God to take action and stop being passive as a parent.

Pray

Heavenly Father, I confess my passivity as a parent. I resolve today to stop standing on the sidelines, allowing my children to call their own plays. I choose today to get in the game as a parent. Grant me the wisdom to lead my children in a way that is pleasing to you. In Jesus' name, Amen.