The Simple Factor Of Time…

Just reading this short paragraph about Samuel it’s clear that children don’t always follow the ways of their parents. Mothers and fathers are responsible for leading and teaching their children about God, truth, and life. But even then the children, when grown, must make their own path, own their own lives. So what is it that causes children to stray, to wander away from the ways of their parents? There are many answers to this question, but one thing contributes more than any other. If I could put one thing on the table, one thing that plays a much bigger role in this issue then most people think, I’d say it is the simple factor of time (paying attention to them). Spending time with your children is the #1 factor in passing on values, morals, and life lessons you’ve learned for yourself. Think about it: without time spent with your children, the way they learn, observe authenticity, is from other people. Opinions, inerrant facts, misrepresented stories, and even errors in their own interpretations of things are all without your guidance. Eli and Samuel both had these issues with their children, yet they were godly leaders of their people. Time is the most important factor in raising children. It’s a precious commodity. You only get it with them for a short while, so don’t waste it. Use it to build the kind of relationships God wants us all to have. I’ll guarantee, it won’t be wasted, and it’s something you won’t ever regret. It’s something, when done right, will be passed on from generation to generation. The world will benefit, and Heaven will Rejoice.

1 As Samuel grew old, he appointed his sons to be judges over Israel. 2 Joel and Abijah, his oldest sons, held court in Beersheba. 3 But they were not like their father, for they were greedy for money. They accepted bribes and perverted justice.4 Finally, all the elders of Israel met at Ramah to discuss the matter with Samuel. 5 “Look,” they told him, “you are now old, and your sons are not like you. Give us a king to judge us like all the other nations have.” 1 Samuel 8:1-5