1 Samuel 8: 1-3

Verse: 1 Samuel 8: 1-3

When Samuel grew old, he appointed his sons as Israel’s leaders.[a] 2 The name of his firstborn was Joel and the name of his second was Abijah, and they served at Beersheba. 3 But his sons did not follow his ways. They turned aside after dishonest gain and accepted bribes and perverted justice.

Title:Chipped off the old block

Message: The parents' acts and reputation cannot guarantee praiseworthy   children. Samuel for sure did everything for the good of his children. He educated them of appropriate judgment but they performed otherwise, thus making them the opposite of their father. They had been chipped off the old block.

Promise to Claim: "Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness" (James 1:2-3). Samuel, just like us, experienced trial in parenthood but God has been faithful. He never forsook Samuel.    

Command to Obey: Let not corruption overcome our children. Make ourselves act on the situation. Ask for God's guidance that each of our deed be appropriate.

Warning to Heed: Children who become exposed to perversion and corruption become perverts and corrupt no matter how good their foundation is. Thus, as parents we need to be vigilant of our children's conduct and to be prayerful for God's guidance above all.

Application: As a parent, I need to see to it that my children are exposed to God's word and are equipped of convictions which will draw them away from perversion and corruption. Monitoring their activities is impossible for me. Thus, I'll rely upon God's guidance as I model to them righteousness.