"Our struggle is not against flesh and blood. "
Ephesians 6:12
THE GLORY IS GONE
Read It: 1 Samuel 4:12-22; Ephesians 6:10-18
The last chapter in the life of a failed father often isn't pretty, and Eli is no exception. He lived to see his sons die and the ark of the covenant captured by the Philistines-and that's the last thing he lived to see. As we wrap up our study on Christian parenting, I want to step back from the story and draw a spiritual parallel that I hope will encourage you today. The world is still doing the same thing the Philistines were successful cessful in doing to Israel. The world is trying to take the ark of God-His glory, His presence, His power-out of our homes. The weapons are not swords and spears, but the battle is just as intense. Using weapons such as the media and popular ular entertainment, the forces of darkness are seeking to make our kids just like them.
Your children and mine are being taught values and behavioral patterns terns that do not belong to Christ. They are being taught a selfishness and a self-orientation that would make them live for themselves. We cannot allow that to happen. The good news is, it doesn't have to happen. You may not be able to change Hollywood, but you can do something just as effective. You can turn off Hollywood in your home! What Christians like you and me need to do is to step forward in our homes and claim that ground for Jesus Christ. We need to write over our houses, not "The glory has departed," but `As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord." As they tell the men at Promise Keepers rallies, "You're in a war, but a lot of you have not been at war." You read Ephesians 6 and you say, "We've got the right weapons, and we're on the side that's already won. Let's get after it." Now if we're going to fight a good fight for and with our kids, we need to get our own act together. Children don't mind following someone who's showing by example how it's done and who's doing it with them. Christian parent, are you ready to lead the way? Let's get after it! Think About It Don't settle for letting your kids feed off your Christian experience. Help them learn to walk with God themselves. He doesn't have any grandchildren.
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