An Example to Avoid

I Samuel 8:3 “And his sons walked not in his ways, but turned aside after lucre, and took bribes, and perverted judgment.”

I feel sad for Eli the priest. He was a good man who did not do right by his sons. It is alarming how much the Bible says about the wickedness of the sons. I Samuel 2:12 says, “Now the sons of Eli were sons of Belial; they knew not the LORD.” We have already seen the contrast between Eli’s sons and Hannah’s son, Samuel, whom the Bible says “grew on, and was in favour both with the LORD, and also with men.” (2:26)

If you are not careful, you might read I Samuel 8:3 and think, “Ah, that must be talking about Eli and his sons.” The truth of the matter is, I Samuel 8:3 is referring to Samuel and his failure in leading his sons (Joel and Abiah). What was the result of Samuel’s error? The people said, “Behold, thou art old, and thy sons walk not in thy ways: now make us a king to judge us like all the nations.” (8:6)

Of all the people who had an example to avoid, it was Samuel. As a child he pleased the Lord as he grew, in contrast to the priest, Eli, whose sons lived wickedly. Samuel did not avoid Eli’s example, and as it turned out, Samuel became an example to avoid himself. Both of these men served the Lord but lost their families. Often we do not have a grasp of the mistakes people have made. There was a reason it did not go well for the person, and we ought avoid that “reason”!

So many times we have no context for our lives whatsoever. We only see what is right before our eyes. The average person today does not know the name of the state two states over, nor does he know what happened of significance in the year he was born. Have a context that is wider than the city or town you live in, and give thought to more than just the “here and now.” In other words, we ought learn from history.

Secondly, we ought learn from our own mistakes. Your generation has more experiences and mistakes to go on than any generation before. A young fool is sad; an old fool is inexcusable. Learn from your own mistakes-and avoid repeating them!

Thirdly, we ought learn from the mistakes of others. Have you ever known a kid to do something foolish? You feel like saying, “What was he thinking?!”, yet he lacks experience in life. A child does well when he learns from someone (his parents) who have the experience and wisdom to know what to do.

Take from the example of Samuel that your family is first. No matter what your vocation, location, or ministry, your family should be first. After the number of people who have lost their families while serving God, we have never had more reason not to lose our families. Examine your life this morning-is your example one to follow, or is your example one to shun?