The ABC's of Bad Christian Parenting: Part One

The Apostle Paul writes in 1 Cor. 10:11 that God has given us the Scriptures, especially the narratives of the Old Testament, so that we might look on them and learn. Paul says, “Now all these things happened to them as examples, and they were written for our admonition…”

As you and I open the pages of God’s word, not only do we find positive spiritual role models which we can emulate--- we also encounter individuals who had serious failures and mis-steps—and from them we can learn what dishonors the LORD—and what not to do when it comes to our spiritual lives.

In this series of blog posts I want to consider the life experience of a father who made some flawed decisions in his parenting strategy which cost him a dear price—not only in his own life, but in the lives of his two sons as well. That father’s name was Eli, and his story is found in 1 Samuel chapters 2-4.

Looking at the example of Eli, what could we say are the A-B-C’s of bad Christian parenting?

A: Assume that your children are spiritual by proxy. (2:12)
This parent foolishly thinks, “I am spiritual, so of course my children are too.”

"Now the sons of Eli were corrupt; they did not know the LORD." 1 Samuel 2:12 NKJV

Eli was a priest for the LORD in Shiloh, he was a spiritual leader for the nation of Israel. He and his sons were in full time ministry—yet the Bible says plainly that his sons were completely corrupt, worthless, wicked men. They were appropriating the people’s sacrifices for themselves and sleeping with women who worked as servants in the tabernacle. So here we have a perfect example of a father who was dedicated to serving the LORD, in worship, in prayer, in reading of Scripture—and his children were far from the LORD.

Friends, that’s a powerful reminder to us that just because we know Christ and are spiritually minded--- doesn’t mean our kids are. God does not do salvation by proxy. In other words, just because you go to church and read your Bible and pray—doesn’t automatically mean your kids are going to be spiritual. Every parent needs to remember that their kids are sinners, with sinful hearts at enmity with God according to Jer. 17:9, and unless they come to know Christ by grace through faith personally--- they are still under Satan’s domination and due to receive God’s wrath.

You and I have a tremendous obligation expose our children to the gospel, so that they personally might come to know Christ and begin that spiritual growth process for themselves. Now, can we save our kids? Can we force them to believe on Christ or live a righteous life? No. But we can realize our responsibility to expose them to Christ and the way of salvation. Parents who assume their children are spiritual by proxy, make a critical mistake that can bring a lifetime of tragic consequences.