discipline – La Vista Church of Christ

The Spiritual Discipline of Subtraction

Jeffrey Hamilton — Fri, 11 Sep 2026 21:59:34 +0000

"Moses' father-in-law said to him, 'The thing that you do is not good. Both you and these people who are with you will surely wear yourselves out. For this thing is too much for you'" (Exodus 18:17-18).

In these days of extreme busyness, the very thought of deleting anything from our lives is difficult. Like a kid in a candy store, we want it all. I don’t know what Moses’ initial response was to his father-in-law’s suggestion that he was trying to do too much, but eventually he saw the wisdom in it. For most of us, that’s a bitter pill to swallow — and very often, it’s our pride that makes it bitter.

Sometimes the things we need to subtract are simply wrong. They have no redeeming qualities and are nothing but hindrances. If so, the scriptural admonition is clear: “Let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us” (Hebrews 12:1).

At other times, however, we are like Moses. What we are doing may be good, but for us it is “too much.” Perhaps it would be humanly possible to squeeze it in, but our spiritual vitality and depth would suffer. If we kept doing that much, we might eventually ruin the gifts God intended us to use in His work, harm people dear to us, and perhaps even wreck our relationship with God Himself.

As a writer, I struggle every day with what to put in and what to leave out. As I write this page, my pride has had a hard time admitting that the world will survive without hearing everything I know about this topic! But the point is serious: “clutter” is not merely a household problem. It is a spiritual problem. Anything we cannot let go of is an idol that will destroy us. In spiritual “mathematics,” we are often better at addition — taking on more — than at subtraction — relinquishing what would be best for us to forgo.

Artists also know the value of leaving things out. If something in a painting needs to be emphasized, the worst thing an artist can do is surround it with so many interesting details that they detract from its impact. Our lives work the same way. The surest way to say nothing is to try to say everything, and the surest way to squander our lives is to try to do everything. Knowing this, the devil tempts us to believe there is always room for one more “good work” — and the result is not the advance of God’s kingdom but spiritually weaker Christians.

"Efficiency is enhanced not by what we accomplish but more often by what we relinquish" (Charles R. Swindoll).

The Discipline of an Athlete

Jeffrey Hamilton — Sun, 05 Jul 2026 20:40:21 +0000

by Lee Wildman
via Biblical Insights, Vol. 14 No. 8, August 2014

Paul used examples from athletics to illustrate principles by which Christians are to live. His readers, especially those in Greece and the surrounding areas, knew very well what it meant to be an athlete in the 1st century. Let's look at some of those lessons.

We must compete according to the rules (II Timothy 2:5).

It is the Lord’s race, and we must enter and run as He dictates. There are rules to be obeyed, and they have not changed since they were first given. And the rules are not hard to understand (Ephesians 3:4). But some say we should read the New Testament as a story or collection of love letters. Surely the story of God’s love is the central point of the message, but seriously, am I to read Romans and I Corinthians as love letters?! When Jesus wrote the seven churches in Asia, His love for them demanded repentance, or else there would be consequences for not keeping His rules.

We must live a disciplined life (I Corinthians 9:24-27; Hebrews 12:1).

We must at first lay aside our old sinful habits, or else in the end, they will disqualify us from the hope of victory. And yet, there are other things that need to be laid aside. Can you imagine someone watching a track and field event during the Olympics, sitting in their recliner with a bag of chips in one hand and a cold drink in the other, saying, “I could do that.” Ridiculous, for sure, especially given how those athletes have trained.

Now look at a Christian who has strong Bible knowledge and can skillfully use it to teach others. He lives with reverence, integrity, patience, and love. His children respect him and are faithful to the Lord. Sounds like a shepherd in the church, doesn’t it? But how did he become such? For certain, he did not allow the cares of this world, the deceitfulness of riches and the desires for other things to choke out the word from his heart (Mark 4:19). He didn’t spend his life working and playing and then say, “I could be an elder if I wanted to be.”

Discipline means learning to do the right things over and over again. Some think that doing the same things over and over leads to going through the motions. But didn’t Daniel pray three times a day? Did this “routine” suggest that he was just going through the motions? It takes more discipline to learn to do the same things with greater love and devotion than to change what we do.

Running with discipline also means doing what the Lord asks, even when we might not feel like it. We must learn to worship, study, pray, forgive, and love our enemies, even when our emotions tell us not to train today.

Every Christian runs to win (I Corinthians 9:24).

In 1980, the cross-country team at WKU won the OVC championships with all five runners crossing the finish line together. But that did not mean all of them had the same ability. A few weeks later, in the NCAA championships, they were each running the very best they personally could run. Only one of the five was qualified to be an All-American.

Some will run better than others. They have had more time to train while others are just getting started. Others run better because they have decided to do so. They are willing to train harder. But beware, for if you decide to run ahead, you may be criticized. Some will think you’re strange (I Peter 4:4), including some of your own brethren. But we must run humbly, hoping that others will follow our example. Our example in the assemblies, at home, at work, and during trials does matter. Each will be looking out for others rather than themselves, even encouraging some to get up and run again.

It’s an endurance race (Hebrews 12:1-2).

There will be days when our resolve to win will be sorely tested. There will be thorns in our flesh and some “Job-like” events in our paths. We may look around and wonder, like Peter, why some seem to have it easier than we do. What do we do then? Complain that it’s not fair? No, we will do as the Lord told him, “You follow me” (John 21:18-22).

Victory awaits all finishers (II Timothy 4:7-8).

The victory is ours in Christ. We have a victory wreath awaiting us (II Timothy 4:7-88; I Corinthians 15:54-58). We must keep our eyes on Jesus, who has run on before us, looking forward to meeting Him at the finish line. Please, don’t ever quit (Galatians 5:7).

What is the difference between punishment and discipline?

Jeffrey Hamilton — Sun, 08 Feb 2026 22:42:19 +0000

Question:

Good day, Minister.

Thank you for your labor in God’s vineyard. God bless you. My questions are:

Is there a difference between punishment and discipline in the Bible?
At what point can one say “I am being punished by God” in today’s dispensation?
Do you have any write-up or material that explains what exactly grace, mercy, and faith are?

Answer:

Punishment

There are several Hebrew and Greek words that are translated as "punishment." One of the more common words is 'awon, which means "iniquity." It is derived from the idea of bending or twisting something that is good into something wrong. The same word for sinful behavior is also used to refer to the punishment imposed for that sin (Genesis 4:13; Job 13:26). Sin, guilt, and punishment are seen as connected ideas. Another Hebrew word commonly translated into English as "punishment" is paqadh. It means to visit, to attend to, or to pay attention to. The word emphasizes that God doesn't overlook sin. He takes note of it and does something about it (Exodus 32:34).

In Greek, kolazo and kolasis derive from a word meaning "to prune" and refer to physical punishment, perhaps in the sense of cutting off continued bad behavior. The word timoreo refers to avenging one's honor by punishing the misdeed (Acts 22:5; 26:11).

The idea is that sin is punished as a penalty. Sometimes it includes the idea of encouraging a correction in behavior, but not always.

Discipline

In Hebrew, yasar, means to instruct or rebuke (Deuteronomy 4:36; 8:5). It emphasizes that the goal is to improve behavior. Another Hebrew word is musar, which means discipline, instruction, warning, or chastisement. It is a derivative of the Hebrew word yasar. It covers both positive instruction and negative correction.

Paideuo, in Greek, is sometimes translated as "punishment," but it means to train, teach, correct, or chastise. It is most commonly used in connection with raising children (Titus 2:12; Hebrews 12:6). In the sense of punishment, it conveys the idea of teaching someone to refrain from misbehaving. But it also includes teaching children to be disciplined in their behavior and learning.

Thus, discipline is imposed to improve a person and may not always be due to misbehavior.

As with many of God's operations in the world, we might suspect God's hand behind what is happening, but we are rarely certain since God doesn't tell us what He is doing.

Regarding mercy, grace, and faith, see "Grace and Mercy," "Mercy and Grace," and "Salvation by Grace Through Faith."

To Spank or Not to Spank

Jeffrey Hamilton — Sat, 27 Dec 2025 22:25:32 +0000

by Jeff Archer
via Biblical Insights, Vol. 15 No. 2, February 2015

A friend of mine was called to the elementary school his son attended. The teacher was seeking help with his son's misbehavior. When he arrived in the classroom, he pulled his son aside and reprimanded him for what had happened. At the end of his conversation, he told him, “If your behavior does not change and I have to return, I will spank you.” The teacher overheard his threat and said, “If you do, I will call the police.”

Raising children today is a challenge for godly parents. Not only are we faced with the same daunting responsibility of every generation to “not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord” (Ephesians 6:4), but today, one of the main tools in corrective discipline is being taken away. The Devil has convinced many of the “experts” in our culture that spanking or corporal punishment is ineffective, teaches a child to be violent, and must be stopped.

The World’s Philosophy

“There’s no reason to get physical with a child when other discipline tactics are more effective,” says Benjamin Siegel, M.D., chair of the American Academy of Pediatrics Committee on Psychosocial Aspects of Child and Family Health.

“The committee’s position is that spanking often involves abuse, which endangers a child’s safety and can cause psychological damage, leading to aggressive behavior, substance problems, and acts of delinquency during adolescence” (“The Great Spanking Debate,” Parents Magazine, Jan. 2012).

Several alternatives are offered, such as “Positive Reinforcement,” “Ignoring the Behavior,” “Time-Outs,” and “Logical Consequences.” These tools can also be used effectively in the proper raising of a child, but why ban spanking? The deeper problem is a lack of respect for the word of God. Satan is always trying to undermine the truth of the Bible with a lie.

Unfortunately, he finds many willing vocal accomplices among the worldly elite in academia.

God’s Truth

The truth is, God has told parents for generations:

“He who spares his rod hates his son, but he who loves him disciplines him promptly” (Proverbs 13:24).

“Foolishness is bound up in the heart of a child; the rod of correction will drive it far from him” (Proverbs 22:15).

“You shall beat him with a rod, and deliver his soul from hell” (Proverbs 23:14).

“The rod and rebuke give wisdom, but a child left to himself brings shame to his mother” (Proverbs 29:15).

“Correct your son, and he will give you rest; yes, he will give delight to your soul” (Proverbs 29:17).

God even teaches us by example when He says through Solomon, “My son, do not despise the chastening of the LORD, nor detest His correction: for whom the LORD loves He corrects, just as a father the son in whom he delights” (Proverbs 3:11-12). These instructions of the Lord have been true since Adam and Eve and will be true as long as fathers and mothers raise children on this earth.

The fads of human philosophy change with the wind, and those who follow them will reap the whirlwind. Unfortunately, the character of children raised with these fads will be malformed, but the parents will not see this until it is too late. The parents will feel sorrow and guilt as a smile forms on the face of the Devil. Only the timeless truth of God gives stability, provides an atmosphere for well-rounded growth, and produces the kind of character that fills a parent's heart with joy and brings a smile to God's face.

The fact is, a child is not capable of being in charge. They do not have the knowledge or the developed decision-making skills to rule the home. God gave that responsibility to the parents. If the parents are not willing to take on this responsibility, they should not bring children into the world. It’s not fair to the child or the world.

Guidelines

Use the “rod” as part of the whole process of discipline. Curb inappropriate behavior with negative consequences. Promote appropriate behavior with positive reinforcement. Define rules and consequences clearly to promote the child's security. When violated, enforce the consequences quickly, especially for younger children, and consistently (one of the most difficult challenges). Mom and Dad must be unified in communicating the rules, consequences, and enforcement. Use the “rod” sparingly, primarily when parental authority is being challenged. Meet immaturity and childishness with a stern warning or, at times, encouragement.

The opposition of the world to spanking in our time will be seen by future generations (if the Lord allows this world to continue) as a mistake. The support and practice of God's timeless truths will always bear good fruit. Trust God, and He will direct your path in one of the most precious relationships, raising your child.

One Word to Transform Your Parenting

Jeffrey Hamilton — Tue, 28 Oct 2025 03:18:41 +0000

by Scott Smelser

Parenting can feel exhausting and confusing. How do you train your child in a way that works—and reflects biblical wisdom? The answer may be simpler than you think. It starts with teaching your child to respect one small but powerful word: “No.” In this video, Scott Smelser explains why teaching your kids what “No” really means is one of the most important steps in parenting. We’ll talk about:

Why discipline is different from control
How to teach toddlers respect and obedience early
The role of “No” in setting boundaries and keeping kids safe
How Christian parents can train their children with biblical principles
Four lifelong lessons toddlers learn when “No means No”

This lesson isn’t just for toddlers—it shapes your kids as they grow into teenagers and adults. When children learn to respect “No” early, they develop respect for authority, self-control, and the ability to choose right over wrong—even when no one is watching.

We have some questions on church discipline

Jeffrey Hamilton — Tue, 14 Oct 2025 00:12:11 +0000

Question:

Hello brother Jeffrey,

I trust you have been in good health this while, and your family too. I am happy to reach out to you after some time has passed.

I delivered a teaching on I Corinthians 5, which deals with church discipline over ongoing sin. This teaching aroused questions, and I would like some enlightenment on them:

This is a real-life case shared by a brother: A brother had an affair with a sister that led to pregnancy, which he then had her abort by sponsoring it. Later, he announced plans to marry a different sister, not the one he’d sinned with. When she found out, she decided to report their immoral act to the church. But the brother, sensing her move, hurried to the church first, confessing the affair and asking for forgiveness—though he only did this after realizing she wanted to report him. The sister never planned to report until she saw he was using her and abandoning her, then marrying another. So, based on biblical standards (Matthew 18:17), should the church forgive him or disfellowship him and the sister he sinned with?
A brother has been sleeping with married women and sisters, even within the church. When his sin was exposed, he quickly reported himself to the church. Should the church withdraw from this brother or forgive him?
When a congregation withdraws a brother or sister, is it in order to inform other congregations about this development? Not necessarily to instruct the congregation on how to receive it, but to inform them and allow them to decide how to handle it. Because a brother who is withdrawn can go to another congregation and participate fully -- until discovered, which is common around here.
If the church is allowed to judge certain matters within her through discipline, how can we relate that to Revelation 22:11?
The concept of sin: Does it mean sin is part of us, even though we are Christians, such that God has to discipline us because of sin (Hebrews 12:6)?

All these are about disfellowship. Some hold the view that discipline should be left to God on the last day, using Revelation 22:11 as a proof text.

Thank you, sir.

Answer:

It would be beneficial to start by reviewing the purpose of withdrawal. See: "Withdraw Yourselves."

People cannot read the minds of other people. We have to go by what they say and what they do. Withdrawing is not done because someone sinned, but because they refuse to leave their sin. I understand that you don't trust these people because they waited until they realized they were caught. However, you have to accept them at their word (Luke 17:3-5). I would make it very clear, especially to the adulterer, that they have proven that they know they have sinned. You expect to see fruit worthy of repentance in their lives (Matthew 3:8). Discussion of repentance must be made with the men and the women. The sex was consensual, and both the man and the woman accepted the abortion. Remember that the goal is to rescue people from their sins. It is not to make you feel better for having done something.

Congregations need to accept that just because someone shows up at the door, it doesn’t imply they are faithful brethren. When dealing with someone they don’t know, it would be prudent for any congregation to inquire about their background and verify the information. There are people who lie and mislead. To ignore this simple fact is dangerous and naive. Congregations have control over their membership. The congregation in Jerusalem was reluctant to allow Saul in as a member, and for good reasons, until they had evidence that Saul had truly converted (Acts 9:26-27).

When a Christian or congregation knows that a wayward member is going elsewhere, concern for other brethren demands that some warning be given.

“This charge I commit to you, son Timothy, according to the prophecies previously made concerning you, that by them you may wage the good warfare, having faith and a good conscience, which some having rejected, concerning the faith have suffered shipwreck, of whom are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I delivered to Satan that they may learn not to blaspheme” (I Timothy 1:18-20).

“for Demas has forsaken me, having loved this present world, and has departed for Thessalonica” (II Timothy 4:10).

“Alexander the coppersmith did me much harm. May the Lord repay him according to his works. You also must beware of him, for he has greatly resisted our words” (II Timothy 4:14-15).

This has caused some problems in our lawsuit-happy country. Congregations have been sued for libel when they sent out warnings regarding members they had disfellowshiped. Yet, it still can be done. Notice that Paul’s warnings told us who were causing problems, but the details of the problems were left unstated. Those who lost lawsuits did so because too much information was relayed. Notably, the examples of warnings are in letters that went to individuals. I’m not certain if we should conclude that it should always be done that way or not, but certainly, in touchy situations, a discreet letter to key individuals will at least give people a warning.

"And he said to me, 'Do not seal up the words of the prophecy of this book, for the time is near. Let the one who does wrong, still do wrong; and the one who is filthy, still be filthy; and let the one who is righteous, still practice righteousness; and the one who is holy, still keep himself holy. Behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to render to every man according to what he has done'" (Revelation 22:10-12).

Revelation 22:11 is sandwiched between two warnings that things foretold in Revelation would be occurring soon. Those who are wicked will ignore the warnings Jesus has given, but the righteous are encouraged to remain faithful. How people respond to the warnings doesn't change their realities. Jesus will reward people according to what they have done (II Corinthians 5:10). The warnings were given, and the Lord will be just in holding people accountable.

It is a mistake to claim one verse cancels out the commands found in other verses. The church is commanded to judge those within its membership (I Corinthians 5:12).

John clearly stated that sin remains a struggle for Christians. "If we say that we have no sin, we are deceiving ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar and His word is not in us. My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous" (I John 1:8-2:1). See "Being a Christian Will Not Save You."

All We Need Is Love

Jeffrey Hamilton — Mon, 26 May 2025 18:21:47 +0000

by Terry Wane Benton

Each person wants and needs it. It is a primary need. People want to feel at least worth acknowledging and at least worth treating with dignity and respect. Who enjoys being shunned, passed by, ignored, or treated as worthless?

All we need is love, goodwill, and our world is better. Now, the Beatles got it right regarding that basic idea. "All we need is love." But love is not love unless it is responsible love. Real love makes a parent make some tough choices, sometimes not a feel-good choice, but love looks further down the road to dangers. Giving a young teen all they want and all the rights they want may be easy to make them like you, but it is not necessarily love. Enabling a teen to be lazy and irresponsible is a set-up for failure. That is hateful, not love.

All we need is love that makes responsible choices and teaches why laziness is not good and responsibility is good. We also need love that disciplines the unruly child for his/her own good and does not reward bad behavior. We need love that shares the vision of being industrious, vigilant, and productive. We need love that gives and demonstrates the kindness one wants to receive.

Love, the right version of it, the kind you read about in the Bible, demonstrated in Jesus, is selfless, actively doing good toward others, sacrificial, and dedicated to holy principles and pursuits. With that kind of real love, addictions to drugs and alcohol would go away. Theft would go away. Broken homes would go away.

Misery caused by selfish attitudes and actions would go away. All we need is love, the principle set in each heart as the foundation of a value system that guides all other actions. Need to repent? Love motivates that? Need to be baptized in Jesus' name? Love for God motivates that. Need to apologize for hurting someone needlessly? Love motivates that. Get this principle in its primary position, and it gets the family going in the right direction, the church, and the world. All we need is the right kind of love, and things start improving! (I Corinthians 12-13).

Dead Wood Among the Branches

Jeffrey Hamilton — Sat, 25 Jan 2025 20:28:31 +0000

by Jack Behle
via Sentry Magazine, Vol. 9, No. 11, November 30, 1983

The teacher tenure law in our state protects teachers against being dismissed arbitrarily after teaching in a district for five years. In fact, it is very difficult to fire a tenured teacher, no matter what the reason.

The law was designed to give academic freedom and promote quality education, but all too often, it has been abused. Once some teachers make tenure, they think they have it made. They have sort of a once-saved-always-saved mentality. They are no longer conscientious. They tend to cause more disruption when things don't go their way. They do just enough to draw a paycheck and escape insubordination, one of the grounds on which they could be fired.

Charles McGehee, in the Chronicle of Higher Education, May 12, 1982, speaks of the dead wood that has been allowed to remain on faculties due to abuses of the tenure laws. He classifies this dead wood into the following types:

Unsure: These teachers may actually be sure within themselves yet refuse to admit it. They constantly seek one more proof and, therefore, do very little.
Ignorant: These may have some knowledge of their specialty, but they seem unable to relate it to the rest of the world.
Inept: Teachers who never want to leave the area of their own specialties. They fear making a mistake.
Scared: These are unsure of where they are going. They fear that their goals may not actually be worthwhile and don't want to take anyone else there with them.
Tired: These have been sure, knowledgeable, capable, and fearless. Now they are just tired. These need some motivation.

Application to the Church

Many concerned Christians wonder about the apparent lack of growth. We plan "campaigns" to promote growth, but the problem may be that there is just too much deadwood among the Lord's branches. If everyone did exactly as I do, would the vine be all deadwood?

One way the Lord described His relationship with His followers was as a vine and branches (John 15:1-4). The same types of dead wood seen on school faculties can be seen among these branches, perhaps for the same reasons. Maybe we think we have tenure.

The unsure profess belief but are not really bold enough to take a stand. Like Peter, when confronted, these decide to deny (John. 18:25-27). They constantly want a little more knowledge, a little more proof before they will go teach another. Like Thomas, they want to see the marks in Jesus' body to be sure (John 20:24-29). They are not really ready to give an answer for their hope (I Peter 3:15). They need to be as sure as Paul in II Timothy 1:12.

"For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day."

The ignorant really don't know enough to teach others. Whose fault is that? The parents, elders, preachers, and teachers might share the blame, but the responsibility for knowing belongs to each of us (Hebrews 5:12). The word was written for our learning and belief (John 20:30-31; II Peter 3:1-2). Are these anything more than dead wood who will not learn the word of the one they profess to follow?

The inept do not handle God's truth rightly (II Timothy 2:15). These could do more damage than good as they try to teach others their misconceptions (Matthew 23:15). Besides destroying themselves, they lead others to be lost (II Peter 3:16). These must practice using the truth aright. Let them practice, exercise, and learn under the watchful eye of someone more skillful (Hebrews 5:13-14).

There are more scared than want to admit it. These know whom they have believed, have practiced, and learned, yet they fear failure. Someone might show them up. Once again, pride gets in the way. These need to remember the parable of the talents (Matthew 25:14-30). God doesn't require more than we can deliver. If rejection occurs, it is God being rejected, not some man. They need to remember Paul's words in Philippians 4:13, "I can do all things in Christ which strengtheneth me."

Finally, there are the tired. These have been faithful, courageous, skilled, knowledgeable, and sure. Now they are just tired. They have been at it too long and number too few. But they need to be reminded to keep on trying. Like Elijah, they should not think they stand alone (I Kings 19:14-18). Remember Galatians 6:9:

"Let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not."

Jesus continues in John 15:5-7 describing our relationship to Him as a vine and branches. He says the dead wood will be collected and burned. We don't want to be fuel for that fire. To escape, we need to get nourishment from the vine. Feed on the word of God (Matthew 5:6; I Peter 2:2). Learn the word of God and learn to use it. Grow in zeal. As Paul said in Colossians 3:16, "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom..." Teach it to another who can teach it to another (II Timothy 2:2).

Remember, there is no tenure in Christ. Don't be complacent. "Let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall" (I Corinthians 10:12).

Jacob and Esau

Jeffrey Hamilton — Sat, 25 Jan 2025 20:07:06 +0000

by David Lipscomb

The treatment of Esau and Joseph was sinful. It was done in a wrong spirit and for a wicked purpose. Jacob and the brethren of Joseph all suffered intensely for the wrongs they did.

Jacob suffered in the exile from his family and the fear and dread of meeting Esau, and the similar things he endured from Laban and his sons.
The brothers of Joseph suffered terribly for their sins, as may be seen in the account of his being made known to them in Egypt.

It would be difficult to conceive of a greater punishment than they endured. While they sinned, God overruled their sins to work out his own purposes and ends. He brought both Jacob and the brothers of Joseph to repentance and in their repentance they found a blessing.

Both Esau and Joseph were disciplined by the wrong they endured. Joseph accepting it in a proper spirit, it brought good to him. He was without doubt unduly puffed up with his importance, and God, through His discipline, took it out of him and made him a true and humble servant of God, anxious to return good for the evil his blessing in spite of his wrong, and Joseph, through the wrong of his brothers, was schooled for his work.

He Restrained Them Not (Sanders)

Jeffrey Hamilton — Sat, 04 May 2024 21:19:24 +0000

by James Sanders

The life of the Old Testament figure, Eli, is remarkable. Eli was a descendant of Ithamar, the fourth son of Aaron, and therefore was of the tribe of Levi. Combined in this man of God were the offices of both High Priest and Judge. It was the first time in Israel that one man had held both offices simultaneously. However, such indicated Eli's goodness and righteousness; it seems everyone respected him. For some forty years, Eli judged the nation of Israel. (Cf. I Samuel 4:18). His character was one of godliness and devotion but was not without blemish. Phineas and Hophni, the sons of Eli, were as wicked as their father was righteous. To make matters worse, Phineas and Hophni were put into the office of a priest even though they lacked Eli's virtue and zeal. (Cf. I Samuel 1:3). The result was nothing short of extraordinary! The conduct of Eli's children shocked the people of Israel. Because of Phineas and Hophni, men came to abhor the offering of the Lord. (Cf. I Samuel 2:17). Things were very bad; the sad state of affairs was almost beyond description.

But when the aged High Priest learned of the scandals being committed by his sons, he only administered a gentle rebuke. Apparently, Eli had always so corrected his children. Instead of reproving his boys while they were small, Eli perhaps reasoned with them and viewed their mischievous conduct with but a look of disfavor. But now Phineas and Hophni were no longer children and had grown their mischievous habits with them. The Scriptures assert that Eli was largely to blame. "He restrained them not" (I Samuel 3:13). Eli had failed to restrain his sons while they were young, and now it was too late! As the twig had been bent, so had it grown. Now, the sternest rebuke would prove ineffectual. Alas! What a lifetime of waste! All those years of effort and sacrifice were in vain. Eli had failed and failed miserably; he had let his sons down when they needed him the most!

The Scriptures urge: "Chasten thy son while there is hope, and let not thy soul spare for his crying" (Proverbs 19:18). Doubtless, Eli's philosophy was, "Boys will be boys." But someone has well said, "Boys will be boys, but those same boys one day will be men." A child needs discipline and guidance when he is young. Then there is hope. Parents, open your eyes before it is too late! Now is the time to "restrain" your children. Now is the time to bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. This opportunity of youth, once present, never returns. Father or mother, have you really "restrained" (guided) that wee creature so fresh from God? Be honest with yourself. Think of Eli - think of yourself - think of the little ones entrusted to your care. Will you fail them when they need you the most?