1 Samuel 3:13, “For I have told him, that I will judge his house for ever, for the iniquity which he knows: because his sons made themselves vile, and he restrained them not.”
Good parents not only love their children, they discipline them. In fact, good parents discipline their children because they love them and desire the best for them. Children who get away with behaving outside clearly set boundaries typically grow up with a rebellious spirit, causing chaos in the family and doing harm to themselves and others. This is why in a context of a loving family, wise parents establish appropriate, clear boundaries at the beginning of a child’s life so they are never confused about what is allowed and what is not.
As Scripture says, if earthly parents know what’s best for their children, how much more so does God, our heavenly Father? (Matt. 7:11). And if these are principles God set in place for earthly families, there should be no doubt that he performs and expects the same standards in his own spiritual family.
God began establishing his clear and appropriate boundaries as early as Genesis 3 with Adam and Eve. He gave them life and breath, and paradise to inhabit. They experienced daily communion with their Maker, who allowed them access to everything in paradise except for one. And it was very clear what that one prohibition was and what consequences they would suffer if they crossed this boundary.
If God did not spare Adam and Eve when they disobeyed this most clear directive, what would cause us to ever believe we can step outside the boundaries he clearly laid down in his Word to us and not suffer for it? He holds his children accountable to adhere to his standards, not only in our behavior but also in the thoughts and intents of our heart. That is, both our actions and attitudes must align with the directives set forth in his Word, or else we can expect his discipline.
Consider the multitude of examples in Scripture to ensure we don’t miss this lesson. God was so displeased with the lack of honor and respect and patience Moses and Aaron failed to show him on at least one occasion that he disallowed them entering Canaan (Deut. 32:51-52). God was so offended with David in the matter of Uriah that he brought a great deal of continued sorrow upon his family and kingdom. In our text of 1 Samuel 3, we read of God’s judgment against the house of Eli because he failed to discipline and correct the wickedness of his sons.
Such examples clearly show that God does not turn a deaf ear nor a blind eye to his people’s sin. If the likes of Adam, Eve, Moses, Aaron, David, and Eli were severely judged for their disobedience, we should never think ourselves to be safe from punishment because we are his child. Rather, as his child we are held to a higher standard. For this reason we should carry a holy awe and trembling in our hearts, knowing God is greatly offended when his children do not correct what we know to be amiss in our lives.
Not only that, but a continuance in sin when we know we are living in disobedience clearly reveals two truths.
First, continued disobedience shows that we have fallen in love with our sin. For when we continue in it regardless of what God’s Word says about it, we can only say that we hold a great affection for it and have allowed it to corrupt and blind our judgment. Our eagerness in continuing to hold a place for our sin, despite the light of the Word and the conviction of the Spirit, indicates the power it holds in our heart.
Second, continued disobedience clearly demonstrates our lack of love and respect for God our Father. They that love the Lord hate evil as Psalm 101:3 says, “I hate the works of such as turn aside, it shall not cleave to me,” and Psalm 119:104, “I hate every false way.” If we as his children hold a tender respect for God’s reputation and his glory, his name and honor are dear to us. We have a godly fear of provoking him or doing anything that will anger or disappoint him, and prevailing sin in our life burdens and grieves our soul.
Our great God and blessed Father is worthy of our love. Our best affections are due him, both because of who he is and because of everything he has done for us. For these reasons, Lord, keep us from the dangerous business of harboring known sin in our life.
Contemplations:
- Lord, help me demonstrate a true repentance from dead works and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Help me seek the Lord while he may be found, call on him while he is near. Help me forsake all wicked ways and unrighteous thoughts. Show me, Lord, the riches of your grace in affording the seasons of grace to me so that I may I seriously, seasonably, and faithfully grow in that grace.
- Lord I know that it dishonors Christ and shows a contempt of love for you and your work of redemption when I do not highly regard peace and reconciliation with you … when the fruits of redeeming love in sanctification and holiness are counted by me a misery rather than a privilege.
- Lord, I know that an inordinate affection to the things of this world is very unbecoming to those that profess Christianity, for your Word forbids it, “… know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God,” (James 4:4). So help me be persuaded to reform those things that I know to be amiss and that are plainly shown to be sins. For if I neglect this, there will be just cause to fear that your displeasure with me will continue and even increase.
Further References for 1 Sam. 3:13:
1 Sam. 2:12; Deut. 21:18; Lev. 26:23; Jer. 7:28
