Issue #3: When You Look the Other Way
Messy Story of the Week
In the Johnson home, the oldest two teens have been skipping curfew, sneaking friends into the house, and posting questionable content online. Mom feels uneasy but says nothing, hoping they’ll “grow out of it.” Dad admits it bothers him but doesn’t want to be “the bad guy.”
The younger kids are watching — and learning. They’re picking up the message that rules don’t matter and parents can be ignored without consequence. The disrespect isn’t just toward Mom and Dad anymore — it’s spilling into how the kids treat teachers, coaches, and even their friends.
Faithful God, Then and Now
Eli, Israel’s high priest, faced something similar — but on a much bigger stage. His sons, Hophni and Phinehas, were priests who used their position to exploit people and dishonor God (1 Samuel 2:12–17, 22). Everyone knew about their corruption, but Eli only gave them mild verbal warnings.
God sent a prophet to tell Eli that because he honored his sons above God by failing to restrain them, judgment was coming on his household (1 Samuel 2:29).
This wasn’t about a single mistake — it was about unchecked, public rebellion from leaders who should have set the example. God’s response was clear: leadership in His name comes with responsibility, and turning a blind eye to blatant sin has consequences for generations.
What We Can Learn
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Ignoring sin doesn’t make it go away — it grows bolder (Proverbs 29:15).
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Parental inaction teaches as loudly as action — our silence can endorse the very behavior we dislike (Ephesians 6:4).
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Faithful love includes correction — God disciplines those He loves (Hebrews 12:6).
When we take these truths seriously, it changes how we show up as parents and leaders.
Behind the Curtain
Over the years, I’ve noticed a pattern in families, churches, and communities: when clear boundaries aren’t set, unhealthy behavior tends to grow — not fade. Parents often hold back from addressing rebellion because they fear conflict, embarrassment, or pushing their child away. But silence doesn’t shield anyone; it actually erodes respect and trust.
On the other hand, when parents step in with consistent, loving correction — even if the process is messy at first — it lays the groundwork for healthier relationships and stronger leadership at home.
Faithful Family Tools
In Faithful Families All-Access ($57/month), we help parents find the courage and biblical framework to correct rebellion in a way that honors God and protects relationships. You’ll get weekly coaching, practical tools, and a community that stands with you as you lead your home with both grace and truth.
📅 Join here → Learn More & Join
Not quite ready to join? You can still grow with us. On the blog, I share biblical wisdom and practical steps for building a faithful family culture: https://www.faithfulfamilycoaching.com/blog.
This Week’s Faith Step
📖 Read together:
“Discipline your children, and they will give you peace; they will bring you the delights you desire.” — Proverbs 29:17 (NIV)
🙏 Pray together:
“Father, give us courage to lovingly correct the sin we see in our home. Help us not to shrink back in fear or avoid hard conversations, but to act with wisdom, grace, and faithfulness. Teach us to discipline in love, as You discipline those You love, so that our family may walk in peace and honor You.”
What’s Next
“The Sibling Showdown That Changed a Nation” — When rivalry and resentment boil over, families fracture. See how God worked through Joseph’s broken family, and what it means for yours today.
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