What's a father to do?

As I mentioned last Eli was High priest and he didn't do as he should (1 Samuel 1-3)and his sons came along behind him and did what they wanted until God dealt with them. By chapter 8 we read that Samuel is now an old man and his sons have been set up as judges in Israel but "his sons didn't take after him; they were out for what they could get for themselves, taking bribes, corrupting justice." The national leaders complained to Samuel and demanded a King. This begins the scenario that leads Samuel to anoint Saul and the "Kingdom" period begins.

Do you think it came as a surprise to Samuel that the nation didn't "appreciate" his sons and their habits? As a father I can tell you that you hear scuttlebutt. The point comes to whether you believe it and if so what you do about it. As the father of 2 ordained ministers and 1 minister, not ordained, I care about what they are doing for the Lord. We have a saying in our house that if they were not doing as they should they are subject to getting "a knot jerked in their tail". They know that dear old Dad may not always be right but he is always Dad.

Eli did NOT set a great example and his sons failed. Samuel DID set a great example and his sons failed. Therefore, example is not enough. You have to put your example to work. "Bro. Love" says God gave you two hands; one to reach up to Him and one to reach out to others... and smack them when they need it. Thank goodness I have little experience with the latter but I'm not afraid to if I need to. You've been warned. &)