In recent years, the term “nepotism” has come to be seen as favoritism shown to any relative, usually in disregard of merit, ethics, or even law itself. In short, it is the practice of giving priority to relatives over things that are right — favoring family over God (cf. Matthew 10:37).
We can plainly see nepotism’s relevance in the spiritual realm, when we look at Eli’s relationship with his sons (1 Samuel 2:12-36). God saw Eli’s indulgence of his wicked sons as a thing of iniquity (1 Samuel 3:11-13). The sin of Eli was his practice of favoring his family above God.
Parents who are more concerned with their children’s wants than with God’s commands, make themselves the enemy of God. Through His word, God shows us that children need restraining (set them bounds and limitations), discipline, and spiritual training (cf. Deuteronomy 4:9-10; Deuteronomy 6:4-7; Deuteronomy 11:18-19; Proverbs 22:6, Proverbs 13:24; Proverbs 23:13; Ephesians 6:4).
To withhold these things in favor of pleasing the child, is to honor him above God — it is spiritual nepotism.
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—Mike Riley, Gospel Snippets
We can plainly see nepotism’s relevance in the spiritual realm, when we look at Eli’s relationship with his sons (1 Samuel 2:12-36). God saw Eli’s indulgence of his wicked sons as a thing of iniquity (1 Samuel 3:11-13). The sin of Eli was his practice of favoring his family above God.Parents who are more concerned with their children’s wants than with God’s commands, make themselves the enemy of God. Through His word, God shows us that children need restraining (set them bounds and limitations), discipline, and spiritual training (cf. Deuteronomy 4:9-10; Deuteronomy 6:4-7; Deuteronomy 11:18-19; Proverbs 22:6, Proverbs 13:24; Proverbs 23:13; Ephesians 6:4).
To withhold these things in favor of pleasing the child, is to honor him above God — it is spiritual nepotism.
Continue with this topic here.
—Mike Riley, Gospel Snippets
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